Cervical Spine Procedures

Cervical Spine

The cervical spine (neck region) is one of the most important and agile parts of your body. It begins at the base of the skull and consists of 7 bones separated by intervertebral discs that allow the spine to move freely. The neck has the greatest amount of movement of any area of the spine and is also responsible for protecting the spinal cord and supporting the skull. Because of its vital function in our everyday lives, injury or disease of the cervical spine is a very serious condition. At New Jersey Spine Specialists, we specialize in a variety of cervical spine procedures customized to treat your condition.

We treat the following cervical spine conditions:

Herniated Disc and Degeneration – Intervertebral discs in between the bones of the vertebrae help to cushion the bones and allow for smooth and painless movement. Symptoms can arise when part of the disc material begins to protrude, known as a disc herniation, or when the disc begins to change, known as a disc degeneration. These conditions can cause neck pain that also radiates down the arm and weakness or numbness in the shoulder, arm or hand. The pain comes from the affected disc putting pressure on a specific nerve root which determines where the pain is felt. Treatment for a herniated or degenerated disc includes medications, physical therapy, spinal injections or surgery.

Cervical Spine Stenosis – As spinal degeneration occurs naturally with age, bone spurs may form and cause the spinal canal to become smaller. These bone spurs press on the spinal cord or nerve roots and cause symptoms similar to that of a herniated disc, except that the pressure is applied to the entire spinal cord. This condition is also known as cervical myelopathy. Pain can spread from the neck and back all the way down the arms and legs. It can also cause a loss of control and strength in the arms and legs. Surgery is the only effective treatment in relieving pressure on the spinal cord.

Cervical Trauma – Cervical trauma is a common and treatable condition that usually occurs as a result of falls or motor vehicle accidents. The cervical spine is the area of the spine most likely to be injured in injuries. A MRI or CT scan can help to diagnose the severity and exact location of the injury. Depending on the extent of the injury, medications, immobilization, physical therapy and surgery are used to reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Cervical Vertebral Tumors – Cervical tumors are similar to any other type of tumor. It can occur as a primary tumor or as a result of the spread of cancer from another area. Cervical vertebral tumors can cause neck pain, loss of sensation, muscle weakness and spasms. Like other tumors, these must be treated quickly and effectively so they do not spread to other areas. Corticosteroids can help relieve symptoms but surgery, radiation or chemotherapy may be necessary to remove the tumor.

Cervical Deformity – Cervical deformities can be congenital or a result of trauma, other spine diseases or surgery complications. These deformities occur when the cervical spine curves forward. Cervical deformities can cause neck pain and a reduced range of motion, but can lead to paralysis if it is severe and left untreated. Physical therapy or surgery can help correct cervical deformities.

Spinal Infections – Spinal infections occur as a result of bacteria or fungi that have traveled to the spine and spontaneously can occur, after surgery or trauma. Infections can include abscesses and lesions and may occur in any area of the spine. Infections can cause back pain, fever, chills and muscle spasms. Treatment options include intravenous antibiotics or antifungal therapy or surgery.

At New Jersey Spine Specialists, we provide the following surgeries to treat cervical spine conditions.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion – This surgery removes the intervertebral discs and/or bone spurs that are putting pressure on nerve roots. This condition is a result of a herniated or degenerated disc. The removed disc is replaced with a small bone graft which will allow the vertebrae to fuse together over time. As the name describes, this procedures is done through the front, or anterior, of the body. An incision is made in the front of the neck, to one side. Removing the herniated disc relieves neck and arm pain, among other symptoms.

Cervical Disc Replacement – Disc replacement helps to relieve the same problems as discectomy and fusion, but instead replaces the damaged disc with an artificial one to act in the same way as the replaced disc. Natural movement is preserved and complications from the bone fusion of the previous surgery are avoided. This procedure is also performed through the front of the neck. This is a newer procedure that holds much promise, but has less long term data on its results.

Cervical Vertebral Corpectomy – A corpectomy relieves pressure put on the spine due to spinal stenosis. The front part of the spinal vertebra is removed and bone grafts are used to fill the space. A corpectomy is similar to a discectomy, but more complex since a larger area is being removed.

Posterior Cervical Laminectomy With or Without Fusion – A cervical laminectomy relieves pressure caused by spinal stenosis. In this procedure, a small section of bone that covers the back of the spinal cord, called the lamina, is removed. A laminectomy is performed through the back of the neck. The removal of this bone and any bone spurs relieves the pressure on the spinal cord. The remaining spine bones can be connected by titanium metal rods with screws attached to bones on each side. The procedure can also be done without fusion.

Posterior Cervical Laminectomy - A laminoplasty involves cutting the bones in the cervical spine and hinging them open to enlarge the space available for a compressed spinal cord. Small plates or bone grafts are used to hold the hinge open.

We also provide surgical treatment for the excision and reconstruction of vertebral tumors and complex cervical trauma, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Our doctors are specially trained in treating all cervical spine conditions with care and precision. Call today to make an appointment.