Cervical radiculopathy, a condition characterized by neck pain radiating into the upper back, arms, and hands, often raises the question: does it require surgery? The symptoms, which may include acute neck pain, numbness, or weakness in various parts of the arm, shoulder, or hand, can usually be managed with non-operative treatments. However, in cases where conservative treatment fails, spinal decompression surgery might be recommended by a spine specialist.
This surgery, typically performed on an outpatient basis, aims to relieve nerve root compression and its symptoms. It is particularly recommended for relieving spinal stenosis or severe cases of cervical radiculopathy. Procedures like Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF), and Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) are among the surgical options available.
ACDF surgery, for instance, is an excellent option for patients experiencing nerve pain in the neck that radiates to the shoulder and arms (known as cervical radiculopathy or brachialgia) or for those with cervical spinal cord compression (cervical myelopathy). The duration of cervical radiculopathy surgery can vary from one to three hours depending on the repair’s extent and the techniques used by the spine surgeon.
In some instances, a patient with spondylosis may require more extensive surgery, like Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF surgery), to remove the spine portion causing pain and stabilize the bone through fusion. The choice of surgery is tailored to the cause of the radiculopathy. For example, herniated discs may be treated with a cervical or lumbar microdiscectomy.
For more detailed information on cervical radiculopathy and its treatments, visit University of Utah Health, Hospital for Special Surgery, UTHealth Neurosciences, Hospital for Special Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, HSS Back in the Game, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Columbia Neurosurgery.
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