When you are struggling with back pain, it is highly likely that surgery may eventually be discussed, and surgical treatments such as microdiscectomy may seem intimidating. For many patients, however, these procedures represent the smoothest path to recovery and pain-free living. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, provides cervical microdiscectomy and other spine procedures at locations in New Jersey. Here, we discuss who is a good candidate for a cervical microdiscectomy.
Key Takeaways
- Cervical microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove all or most of a spinal disc in the neck.
- Microdiscectomy treats nerve and spinal cord compression caused by a herniated disc.
- Good candidates for cervical microdiscectomy are those who experience severe symptoms that do not respond to conservative treatments.
- Minimally invasive surgeries work through a tiny incision to reduce stress on the body, allowing for less pain and a faster recovery.
What Is Cervical Microdiscectomy?
Cervical microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or most of a cervical disc. Spinal discs are round pieces of rubbery tissue with gooey centers. Located between spinal bones, or vertebrae, they provide shock absorption to cushion the spine. If a disc becomes damaged, the gel center may leak. This creates painful pressure on the spinal cord or root nerves. By removing the leaking material, cervical microdiscectomy effectively eliminates pain caused by nerve compression.
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive form of discectomy. Both procedures share the same goal: removal of a problematic spinal disc. Instead of fully exposing the spine using a large incision, however, a microdiscectomy involves using precise tools to work through a tiny incision. This drastically reduces the damage caused to muscle, skin, and soft tissue, allowing for a faster recovery.
Conditions and Symptoms Treated with Microdiscectomy
Cervical microdiscectomy is the gold standard treatment for a cervical herniated disc. This condition, which can also be called a cervical slipped disc, occurs when a spinal disc’s gel core creates a bulge in the weakened wall. The bulge creates pressure against the spinal cord (cervical myelopathy) or a root nerve (cervical radiculopathy). The resulting irritation causes intense pain and neurological symptoms, including:
- A burning, tingling, or pins-and-needles sensation
- Pain that travels or shoots from the neck into the shoulder or arm
- Numbness or loss of feeling in the arm, hand, or fingers
- Muscle weakness in the arm, hand, or fingers
- Loss of dexterity or fine motor skills, such as the ability to hold a pen
- Headaches just above the back of the neck
A cervical herniated disc does not get better by itself. Instead, it is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms get worse over time. Medical treatment is the only way to find relief from pain caused by a herniated disc.
Conservative Treatment vs. Surgery: Which Is Best?
Surgery, even minimally invasive surgery, is a major medical procedure that stresses the body and requires a long recovery. As a result, it is not usually the first resort. Orthopedic physicians and sports medicine specialists start with conservative treatments, including:
- Rest
- Activity modifications
- Physical therapy
- Pain relief medications
- Steroid injections
- Neck bracing
While this approach may provide temporary relief, it is not always effective. The symptoms may persist despite treatment, or they may return when the disc herniation worsens. In other cases, the pain may simply be too severe to address without surgery. In all these cases, surgery may be recommended. Microdiscectomy provides instant and permanent relief from neck pain when other treatments fail.
Who Is Not a Candidate?
While cervical microdiscectomy is an effective solution for many patients, it is not an option for everyone. Some factors may discourage surgery, usually for safety reasons:
- Imaging results: Spine surgeons must be sure about a diagnosis before considering surgery. If a patient’s imaging results are unclear, then further testing is needed.
- Smoking: Tobacco smoking reduces blood flow, which slows healing and increases the risk of infection. Patients who smoke must quit before receiving major surgery.
- Medical conditions: If the patient has uncontrolled diabetes or a cardiovascular condition, then their condition must be managed before surgery is considered safe.
If a patient is concerned about their eligibility for surgery, they should reach out to Dr. Branko Skovrlj at NU-Spine. The doctor will be glad to discuss the limitations of surgery and whether microdiscectomy is a good option.
Explore Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Near You in New Jersey
Cervical microdiscectomy can provide instant relief from pain. While using minimally invasive methods, surgeons can also ensure a shorter recovery. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, which provides cutting-edge spinal treatments at locations near you across New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more about cervical microdiscectomy surgery or to schedule an appointment.