Cervical nerves relay vital information between the brain and the rest of the body. When these nerves become compressed, this function is impeded, resulting in pain, numbness, and loss of function. Patients who struggle with a pinched cervical nerve can find care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, providing a wide range of spine procedures at locations throughout New Jersey. Here, learn about the advanced treatments we provide, including cervical discectomy and posterior cervical foraminotomy, to help patients get back to pain-free living.
Key Takeaways
- Cervical discectomy removes a problematic spinal disc and is used to treat a cervical slipped disc or cervical herniated disc.
- Posterior cervical foraminotomy relieves pressure from a root nerve and is used to treat a range of conditions that cause cervical nerve compression.
- Medical imaging is used to determine which procedure is most appropriate for a patient.
What Is a Cervical Discectomy?
A cervical discectomy is a procedure to remove a cervical disc. Spinal discs are pads of rubbery tissue that act as shock absorbers between vertebrae. If a disc becomes damaged, its gel-filled center leaks into surrounding tissue. This condition, called a slipped disc or herniated disc, may create pressure on a root nerve or the spinal cord. Cervical discectomy eliminates nerve compression by removing the offending disc and replacing it with an implant or graft.
The Cervical Discectomy Process
When performing discectomies, NU-Spine uses minimally invasive techniques to reduce surgical risks and recovery time. Our procedure follows these steps:
- A tiny incision is made on the back of the neck.
- Skin, muscles, and ligaments are gently moved aside to allow access to the spine.
- An endoscope, or a tiny camera on a flexible tube, is inserted into the opening.
- Using precise tools and following video guidance from the endoscope, the surgeon cuts apart and removes the problematic disc.
- A cervical disc replacement or cervical spinal fusion is performed to stabilize the vertebrae.
- The tools are removed, and the incision is closed with stitches.
Most patients can go home the same day as surgery, though they may need to stay at the hospital if they received a spinal fusion. Full recovery from a discectomy and disc replacement takes two to four weeks, while full recovery from a spinal fusion can take a year or more.
What Is a Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy?
A posterior cervical foraminotomy is a procedure to widen the foramen. The foramen is a narrow gap between vertebrae that allows a root nerve to leave the spinal cord. Some patients have a narrower foramen than normal, compressing the root nerve in a painful condition known as cervical radiculopathy. By widening the foramen, a posterior cervical foraminotomy removes pressure from the root nerve to relieve pain and other symptoms.
A posterior cervical foraminotomy can be used to treat slipped or herniated discs, similarly to a discectomy. It may also treat other causes for radiculopathy, including:
- Age-related wear and tear
- Cervical degenerative joint disease
- Traumatic neck injuries such as whiplash
- Overuse injuries from workplace stress
- Infection-related inflammation
- A spinal tumor
The Cervical Foraminotomy Process
Like a discectomy, posterior cervical foraminotomy can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. The procedure follows these steps:
- A tiny incision is made on the back of the neck.
- Skin, muscles, and ligaments are gently moved aside.
- An endoscope is inserted into the opening.
- Using video guidance, the surgeon removes bone pieces to open up the foramen.
- The tools are removed, and the incision is closed with stitches.
The procedure takes about two hours. Afterward, patients sometimes spend a day at the hospital, though they may be allowed to go home immediately. They can return to normal activities within a few weeks after surgery, though full recovery may take up to a year.
How Does NU-Spine Decide Which Procedure to Perform?
Choosing the correct spine procedure requires careful testing and planning. Medical imaging is used to pinpoint the cause of a patient’s pain and determine whether it originates from a slipped disc or other problem in the spine. Then, NU-Spine’s resident surgeon, Dr. Branko Skovrlj, can decide whether a foraminotomy or discectomy is most appropriate.
The spine is a complex structure, and problems that affect it can be complex, as well. In some cases, patients need both a foraminotomy and a discectomy to adequately address their pain. A combined procedure typically involves widening the foramen to provide better access to the problematic disc. Dr. Skovrlj walks patients through the steps of his planned treatments to help them understand what to expect.
Find Back Pain Relief Near You in New Jersey
Deciding the best solution for pain requires experience and cutting-edge technology. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute uses the latest advancements in spinal treatments to transform patients’ lives. Contact us today to learn more about cervical discectomy and posterior cervical foraminotomy or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.