What Types of Neck Trauma Typically Need to Be Surgically Addressed? What Treatment Options Should You Consider Before Surgery?
When you have a neck injury, as the result of either a traumatic accident, degenerative condition, or repetitive stress, virtually every movement you make can be painful. If you’re fortunate, you may be able to return to full health without surgical intervention. There are, however, some instances where your best chances of full recovery will involve a surgical procedure.
What Medical Conditions Typically Necessitate Neck Surgery?
More often than not, the types of injuries or medical conditions that require neck surgery stem from traumatic accidents, such as car wrecks or sports injuries, or from degenerative conditions, such as arthritis. Trauma can cause a cervical fracture (broken neckbone), as well as pinched nerves, where the nerves in your neck are subjected to impingement or excessive pressure. Osteoarthritis can also cause pinched nerves or result in compression or irritation to your spinal cord. Such conditions may require surgical intervention in order to alleviate pain.
What Are the Different Types of Neck Surgeries?
Medical science has come up with a number of different procedures to help alleviate neck pain:
- Cervical spinal fusion—When the vertebrae in your neck become unstable, they can move around, causing painful nerve impingement. A cervical spinal fusion surgically connects two of your vertebrae into a single bone, eliminating that risk. A cervical fusion may also be used to treat a broken neck.
- Disk surgery—A surgeon may perform a diskectomy and fusion, where an entire disk is removed from your neck and a spinal fusion is performed to stabilize the area. Alternatively, the surgeon may remove only bone spurs or other parts of the vertebrae that are causing the pain.
- Laminectomy—With this procedure, the surgeon removes the lamina, a bony and ridged area at the back of the vertebrae. Any disks or ligaments causing compression may also be removed.
- Laminoplasty—In this procedure, instead of removing the lamina, the surgeon crafts a door-like hinge, so that the lamina can be opened and pressure relieved. A laminoplasty typically leaves the patient with greater range of motion than a laminectomy.
- Artificial disk replacement—A relatively new technology allows your surgeon to remove a damaged disk and replace it with an artificial implant.
Contact InjuredCare.com to Connect with a Doctor to Assess Your Need for Neck Surgery
If you are suffering from neck pain, we can put you in contact with medical professionals who can accurately and effectively diagnose your condition and determine whether you need surgery. Contact InjuredCare online or call our offices today at 866-952-7045.
