A cervical discectomy is a surgery performed to treat problems with the discs in the cervical spine that cause neck pain and discomfort. We use this procedure to treat herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis, which can cause nerve compression, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck, arms, or hands. The surgery involves removing a portion or the entire herniated or degenerative vertebral disc in your neck. This helps alleviate symptoms like radiculopathy (nerve pain) and myelopathy (spinal cord compression).
In preparation for the cervical discectomy procedure, you are first positioned face down. The team administers anesthesia to ensure your comfort. A small incision is made at the back of your neck, then the structures within your neck are gently moved aside to create a path to your spine. The surgeon then carefully removes the damaged disc.
Post-surgery, most patients experience significant relief from symptoms, although recovery times can vary depending on the extent of the surgery. We often recommend physical therapy and rehabilitation to aid recovery and restore function. Talk to your physician regarding the best post-op recovery options for you.
At New York Pain Medicine Associate, with locations in Brooklyn, Hempstead, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx, our specialists will meet with you in order to assess whether a cervical discectomy is the right procedure for you to help relieve your neck pain. Give us a call to schedule an appointment with us today.