Arm pain can sometimes be caused by spinal cord compression. Like any medical condition, arm pain of spinal origin must be treated at the source. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute offers multiple spine procedures to relieve nerve pain caused by compression for patients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Our surgeons weigh all factors when determining which treatment is best for each patient. Here, learn more about posterior cervical foraminotomy, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery, and why the choice matters.
Key Takeaways
- Some types of arm pain are caused by spinal cord compression, which refers to a pinching of the spinal cord caused by spinal stenosis or a narrowed spinal canal.
- Signs that arm pain has a spinal origin include burning pain radiating down the arm, weakness or loss of coordination, tingling sensations, and numbness.
- Posterior cervical foraminotomy uses a posterior (back) approach to widen the foramen, relieving impingement on a root nerve.
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) uses an anterior (front) approach to remove a spinal disc and fuse the spine levels, relieving serious nerve compression.
How Do Spine Conditions Cause Arm Pain?
While it may seem counterintuitive, not all arm pain originates in the arm. Some types of arm pain start in the spine. Cervical myelopathy, also called spinal cord compression, occurs when the spinal cord or a nerve root is compressed. The pinching interrupts the flow of sensory and motor information between the arm and the brain. Pain caused by nerve compression often feels different from bone or skeletal pain. Its common indicators include:
- Burning or electric pain
- Pain that shoots or travels down the arm
- Pain that gets worse with specific movements
- Trouble with hand or arm coordination
- Weakness in the arm
- Tingling or prickling feelings
- Loss of sensation
Arm pain of spinal origin is diagnosed using medical imaging. Physicians use an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for spinal stenosis, or a narrowing of the spinal canal. Stenosis can have numerous causes, including osteoarthritis, a cervical herniated disc, or cervical kyphosis. By identifying the cause, doctors can plan the most effective treatment.
Unlike musculoskeletal pain, which can sometimes get better with rest, nerve pain does not usually improve by itself. Conservative care options such as physical therapy and medication have limited benefits. For many patients, the only reliable solution to spinal cord compression is surgery.
What Is Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy?
Posterior cervical foraminotomy is one treatment option for spinal cord compression. The procedure accesses the spine from the back (posterior) to widen the foramen. The foramen is a narrow gap between vertebrae where root nerves leave the spine. It is also one of the most likely sites of impingement. By removing bone tissue from around the foramen, surgeons relieve pressure on the root nerve, restoring pain-free function.
What Is ACDF Surgery?
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a combination of a cervical discectomy and a cervical spinal fusion. The procedure accesses the spine from the front (anterior) to remove a spinal disc, then fills the gap with a bone graft. The graft promotes new bone growth, fusing the vertebrae. By limiting neck mobility, ACDF stabilizes the spine and relieves nerve or spinal cord impingement. This treatment provides lasting relief when major intervention is required.
Which Procedure Is Best?
Neither posterior cervical foraminotomy nor ACDF is universally superior. Instead, NU-Spine surgeons consider both options when planning treatment. They consider imaging results, the cause of impingement, and the patient’s overall condition before recommending the procedure that is most likely to provide relief. NU-Spine surgeons recommend posterior cervical foraminotomy when:
- The pain is caused by root nerve impingement (radiculopathy)
- The stenosis is minor
- The spine is in otherwise good condition
- The goal is to address pain while preserving mobility
NU-Spine surgeons recommend ACDF surgery when:
- The pain is caused by spinal cord compression (myelopathy)
- The stenosis is significant
- There is a risk of continued degeneration
- The goal is to eliminate as much pain as possible
If patients are unsure why one procedure is recommended over another, they should not hesitate to ask their doctor. The NU-Spine team prioritizes open communication and can help patients understand why a procedure is best for their needs.
Find Treatment for Spinal Cord Decompression Near You in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida
If you are struggling with arm pain of spinal origin, don’t wait for relief. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We offer cutting-edge minimally invasive treatments, including posterior cervical foraminotomy and ACDF, at locations near you in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. To schedule your appointment, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arm Pain of Spinal Origin
Is posterior cervical foraminotomy as effective as ACDF for arm pain?
The most effective procedure for arm pain depends on your condition. With a goal to treat pain while preserving mobility, posterior cervical foraminotomy is best when the root cause of the pain is radiculopathy or for minor cases of stenosis. With a goal to eliminate as much pain as possible, ACDF is preferred when the patient has myelopathy, significant stenosis, or risk of progressive degeneration.
Will I lose neck motion after ACDF?
Yes, you will lose some neck mobility after ACDF. The extent of your range-of-motion loss will depend on the severity of your case, whether there were any surgical complications, and other factors.
How long should I expect to be in recovery after neck surgery?
Posterior cervical foraminotomy has a shorter recovery time. Patients go home the same day as their procedure, can do light activities in two weeks, and go back to work in four to six weeks. ACDF has a longer recovery. Patients have a short hospital stay followed by several weeks to months of recovery.