Orthopedic Surgeons and Physical Therapists Located in San Antonio and South Texas
Neck Pain Q & A
Neck pain accounts for 15% of chronic pain in adults, ranking as the second-most prevalent condition. The specialized orthopedic surgeons at South Texas Spinal Clinic excel in identifying the root cause of your neck pain and creating a personalized treatment plan that utilizes various therapeutic options to optimize pain relief and enhance neck function. Don’t endure persistent neck pain any longer. Contact the office in the San Antonio or South Texas area or conveniently schedule an appointment online.
Neck Pain Q & A
What Causes Neck Pain? The neck, consisting of seven cervical vertebrae, shock-absorbing discs, muscles, and ligaments, is prone to soft-tissue injuries and degenerative disorders due to its range of motion and the weight it supports. Common causes include:
- Common Neck Ache: Spasms or strains from stress, awkward sleeping positions, or prolonged static head and neck positions.
- Injury: Falls, contact sports, or automobile accidents leading to muscle and ligament injuries or cervical fractures.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Disc breakdown causing spondylosis due to water loss, cracks, and tears in the discs.
- Herniated Disc: Gel-like center ruptures and bulges through a tear in the disc’s outer layer, often associated with age-related degeneration.
How is Neck Pain Treated? Initial treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications and rest. Diagnostic imaging helps evaluate the cause. Treatment includes:
- Physical therapy
- Manual medicine
- Oral medications
- Muscle and joint injections
- Cervical epidural steroid injection
- Cervical nerve block
Surgery may be necessary if conservative measures or the underlying cause is severe. Surgical options include:
- Microdiscectomy: Removal of the damaged disc portion pressing against nerves.
- Fusion Surgery: Bone grafting to fuse compromised cervical vertebrae, enhancing strength and stability.
- Laminectomy: Removal of a portion of damaged vertebrae compressing the spinal cord to restore normal movement.
Common Back and Spine Conditions
- Herniated Disc
- Disc Degeneration
- Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal Stenosis
- Muscle Injury
- Spinal Injury
- Spinal Stiffness
- Arthritis
- Compression Fracture (Osteoporosis)
Neck pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While many cases of neck pain can be managed with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, some individuals may require surgical intervention to alleviate their symptoms. Neck pain surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments fail to provide relief, or when there is a significant structural issue, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, causing nerve compression or spinal instability.
Indications for Neck Pain Surgery
Surgery for neck pain is usually reserved for cases where there is clear evidence of nerve or spinal cord compression, severe degeneration of the spinal discs, or other structural abnormalities that cannot be corrected through non-surgical means. Some common conditions that may require neck pain surgery include:
Herniated Disc:
- A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the inner gel-like core of a spinal disc pushes through the outer layer, compressing nearby nerves. This can cause significant pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck, shoulders, and arms.
Spinal Stenosis:
- Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots. This condition often results in pain, tingling, and weakness in the neck, arms, and sometimes the legs.
Degenerative Disc Disease:
- Over time, the spinal discs can wear down, leading to chronic neck pain and reduced mobility. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove or replace the damaged disc.
Cervical Radiculopathy:
- This condition occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes compressed or irritated, often due to a herniated disc or bone spur. It can cause sharp pain that radiates from the neck into the arm.
Cervical Myelopathy:
- This is a condition where the spinal cord itself is compressed, leading to symptoms such as difficulty with coordination, balance issues, and weakness in the limbs. Surgery is often required to prevent permanent damage to the spinal cord.
Types of Neck Pain Surgery
Several surgical procedures are available to treat neck pain, depending on the underlying condition. The most common types of neck pain surgery include:
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF):
- ACDF is one of the most common surgeries for treating cervical spine issues. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged disc through an incision in the front of the neck (anterior approach) and then fuses the adjacent vertebrae together to stabilize the spine.
Cervical Disc Replacement:
- In this procedure, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc. This surgery aims to preserve more of the natural movement in the neck compared to fusion.
Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy:
- This minimally invasive procedure involves removing bone or tissue compressing a nerve root in the cervical spine. It is often performed through a small incision in the back of the neck (posterior approach).
Laminectomy:
- A laminectomy involves removing part of the vertebra, known as the lamina, to create more space for the spinal cord or nerves. This procedure is often used to relieve pressure caused by spinal stenosis.
Corpectomy:
- In a corpectomy, a portion of the vertebral body and adjacent discs are removed to decompress the spinal cord. This procedure is often followed by spinal fusion to stabilize the spine.
Benefits and Risks of Neck Pain Surgery
Neck pain surgery can offer significant benefits, including relief from chronic pain, improved mobility, and prevention of further neurological damage. Many patients experience a significant reduction in pain and a marked improvement in their quality of life following surgery.
However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. These may include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and complications related to anesthesia. There is also the possibility of needing additional surgeries in the future, particularly if the underlying condition progresses or if the initial surgery does not fully resolve the problem.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from neck pain surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed and the individual patient’s condition. Minimally invasive procedures, such as posterior cervical foraminotomy, typically have shorter recovery times and less postoperative pain compared to more extensive surgeries like ACDF or corpectomy.
Physical therapy is often an essential component of the recovery process, helping patients regain strength, flexibility, and function in the neck and upper body. Adhering to a rehabilitation plan and following the surgeon’s postoperative instructions are crucial for achieving the best possible outcome.