Overview

A cervical discectomy removes a degenerated intervertebral disc or herniated disc in the cervical or neck region. These discs act as a cushioned support between the vertebrae. When a disc degenerates or herniates, it can compress nearby spinal nerves, leading to symptoms such as arm pain, neck pain, numbness, or weakness. This procedure aims to alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves by removing the problematic disc.

After the procedure, the patient is relieved from pain and can perform actions such as moving and bending the neck, moving back, and performing activities with neck and back involvement. The procedure is the last resort when non-surgical options such as medications and therapy cannot relieve pain. The surgery also helps to lower the tingling sensation and numbness experienced due to pressurised nerves in the arms and legs.

In some cases, patients are recommended to go for ACDF. ACDF stands for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. It is a surgical procedure used to treat certain neck conditions that cause spinal cord or nerve compression. During the procedure, the surgeon removes a damaged or herniated disc in the cervical spine (neck) through an incision in the front of the neck. After the disc removal, the adjacent vertebrae are fused together using bone grafts or implants to stabilise the spine and prevent movement between the vertebrae. ACDF aims to alleviate neck pain, arm pain, weakness, or numbness caused by nerve compression and to maintain spinal stability.

When is a Cervical Discectomy required?

Mentioned below are the health conditions that define the requirement for spine surgery:

Herniated Disk is a medical condition in which the rubbery cushion between the bones diminishes, leading to friction between the bones. Hence, it leads to extreme pain and restricted movement of the affected spine region. A herniated disk may be healed with the help of therapies and medications, but extreme conditions require surgery to avoid worsening conditions.
Weakness in Arms and Legs- Surgery becomes beneficial when the transmission of signals from the spine's fibres to the arms and legs is affected. Under such circumstances, the procedure aids in relieving pressure on the spine by removing or repairing the damaged disc, lessening the strain. This, in turn, reduces tingling sensations or numbness, enabling individuals to move their arms and walk more comfortably.
Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease. When the intervertebral discs in the neck wear down or degenerate, leading to spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) and nerve compression.
Cervical Radiculopathy. When the nerves in the neck (cervical nerves) become irritated or inflamed, causing pain and other neurological symptoms in the arms and hands.
Pain in Arms and Legs- Pain in arms and legs, even after medical therapies and medications, can cause worry. Anterior Cervical Discectomy is the solution for such issues. The surgery helps eliminate the injury caused to the nerves leading to pain in the arms and legs. Cervical discectomy helps to lower the pain, numbness, and tingling sensation experienced by the affected parts of the body.

How is a Cervical Discectomy performed?

This surgery helps to heal the pain experienced in the spine affecting the back, neck, arms, or legs. Surgery is performed when non-surgical methods such as medicines or therapies cannot lower the pain. Before the surgery, the surgeon goes through the patient's medical history, including current medications and all the health issues experienced by the patient. Blood tests and an ECG are performed to keep track of the patient's vital stats.

The patient is given anaesthesia before the surgery to avoid pain or discomfort. A small incision is made at the left or right side of the neck. The muscles in the way are moved aside slowly without damaging the tissues. It helps the surgeon to reach the surgical area to identify the herniated disk. The surgeon locates and removes the damaged disc, thereby relieving pressure on the spinal nerves. There is marked relief from symptoms such as neck pain, weakness, arm pain, or numbness caused by nerve compression.

The further steps of the surgery involve placing a bone graft in the space for easy movement of the bones. After 3 to 4 months, an overall layer is formed over the operated discs for smooth movement without pain. The surgical procedure is completed by closing the incisions with the help of strips or biological glue.

Post-Surgery Care Guidelines

Medications- Pain after surgery is a normal action observed in the healing process. If the pain is unbearable and is restricting the patient from performing routine activities, then medicines such as NSAIDs or painkillers suggested by doctors must be taken. The medication suggested should be taken as guided by the doctor for quicker healing.
Icing- Icing helps to lower post-surgery swelling. Icing the surgical area 3 to 4 times a day, or as the doctor suggests, helps to lower the swelling and pain.
Physical Therapy- A professional therapist helps to suggest healing therapies and exercises for quicker recovery. Treatment is started after a detailed discussion with the doctor and an understanding of the steps for physical therapy.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

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Conclusion

Cervical Discectomy is a spine surgery to lower neck, back, arms, or leg pain. The surgery allows the patient to eliminate extreme pain in the mentioned body parts and perform routine activities without hassle.

Reference Links

https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/discectomy-procedure-risks-post-surgery-care/

https://mayfieldclinic.com/pe-acdf.htm