With degenerative disc disease, a cervical disc loses its mechanical strength as a response to pathology. The disc then begins to herniate or protrude out of its intervertebral space. If the disc material protrudes far enough, it can press against spinal roots or directly onto the spinal cord, producing pain and other symptoms that often require surgery to correct. The aim of surgery is to remove the compressive force on neural, or nerve-containing, tissues and then stabilize the vertebrae.
Your cervical spine includes the seven vertebrae that connect your head to your spine and extend down to your shoulders. Cervical spine fusion surgery may be recommended when the disc material begins to seep out of your cervica...
Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health, states that compression of cervical spinal nerves can lead to radiated neck pain, neck stiffness, loss of sensation in the upper body, weakness and headaches. In severe cases,...
These nerves control the neck, arms and upper body. Cervical vertebrae are subject to trauma, degenerative disease, and fractures. When conservative therapy with medication or physical therapy fails, or is inappropriate, surger...
If the discs bulge out far enough to touch the nearby nerve roots, patients can experience pain and numbness in the parts of the body connected to those nerves, such as the arms and shoulders. While physical therapy and medic...
Cervical spine surgery focuses on the part of the spine that passes through the neck. It can treat existing damage to the spinal cord and the nerves around it, as well as strengthen the spine to help prevent further damage. Oft...
In general, surgery is only indicated as a last resort, if conservative treatments have failed to relieve a person's symptoms. They may also be indicated if the spine is unstable, or following a trauma. Most cervical spinal sur...
You may choose cervical spine surgery to help with your back pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, to restore nerve function or prevent abnormal movement in your cervical spine. People with degenerative disorders are good candid...
