Cervical Microdiscectomy Near You in New Jersey
A herniated cervical disc can cause significant pain. If you are struggling with symptoms of spinal cord compression that may be caused by disc herniation, don’t wait for relief. Turn to NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, where we provide spine procedures such as cervical microdiscectomy to help patients get pain relief. Learn more about this treatment available at our state-of-the-art locations near you across New Jersey.
What Is Cervical Microdiscectomy?
Cervical microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive form of cervical discectomy that removes all or most of the damaged disc. The spine is a column of interlocking bones called vertebrae. Between the vertebrae are spinal discs, rubbery pads of tissue with gel-like centers. The discs function as cushions, absorbing shock and allowing the bones to bend and twist without friction. If a disc is damaged, the gel center may leak into the spinal cavity, placing pressure on the spinal cord or root nerves. The resulting compression or aggravation may be intensely painful.
Cervical microdiscectomy takes the pressure off the spinal cord, providing almost instant pain relief. It is considered the gold standard for herniated disc treatment.
When Is Cervical Microdiscectomy Recommended?
A cervical microdiscectomy is recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with a cervical herniated disc. This is a slipped or damaged disc in the cervical section of the spine, or neck. This condition is often painful, leading to symptoms such as:
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the shoulders, arms, hands, or fingers
- Shooting or traveling pain in the shoulders or arms
- Pain that gets worse with movement in the head or neck
- Weakness in the arms or hands
Treatments for a cervical herniated disc often begin with non-invasive methods, including rest, medication, steroid injections, or wearing a supportive brace. While this approach may help relieve pain, it does not always deliver long-term results. Microdiscectomy is recommended when conservative treatments fail to provide the lasting relief patients look for. If you would like to learn more about recommended treatments for cervical herniated disc, speak with a NU-Spine doctor.
Who Performs Cervical Microdiscectomy at NU-Spine?
At NU-Spine, surgical treatments are provided by our resident neurosurgeon Dr. Branko Skovrlj. Dr. Skovrlj is board-certified in neurosurgery and specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery. He is an expert in all kinds of spine procedures, including cervical microdiscectomy. Dr. Skovrlj contributes to research efforts to improve treatment options for patients with painful spine conditions. These contributions have earned him multiple awards and worldwide renown as one of the best spine surgeons.
Dr. Skovrlj also understands that neck pain can be difficult to discuss, so he gets to know each patient personally and establishes a trusting relationship. Patients say he is down-to-earth and approachable, helping them feel comfortable discussing and receiving treatment for their conditions.
How Is Cervical Microdiscectomy Performed?
Cervical microdiscectomy is performed at one of NU-Spine’s state-of-the-art surgical facilities. It is most often done with general anesthesia, which keeps patients asleep while the surgeon works. The procedure follows these steps:
- Skovrlj makes an incision on the neck near the ruptured disc.
- He places surgical dilators to separate the neck muscles, creating a working channel to access the ruptured disc without cutting.
- He inserts an endoscope, a tiny camera mounted on a flexible tube and connected to a computer monitor, into the working channel.
- Using precise surgical tools, Dr. Skovrlj performs a laminectomy to remove a small piece of the vertebrae. This helps him access the disc.
- Skovrlj carefully removes parts of the spinal disc to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
- If necessary, he may perform a cervical spinal fusion to stabilize the vertebrae.
- Finally, he withdraws the tools and closes and dresses the incision.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. If a spinal fusion is required, it may take longer. Afterward, the patient will wake up in a recovery room. They may go home the same day as their procedure or stay the night at the hospital to have their condition monitored.
Recovery After Cervical Microdiscectomy
Once the patient is ready to go home, Dr. Skovrlj will provide instructions for recovery. Following his instructions is important to avoid complications and get the best results from cervical microdiscectomy. His guidelines may include:
- Protecting the incision site when bathing
- Limiting strenuous activities
- Doing exercises to improve back strength
- Managing pain using medications
- Monitoring for signs of infection
- Scheduling a follow-up appointment
Patients usually can return to light activities after a week or two. After this point, a physical or occupational therapist will guide them in a gradual return to normal activity levels. The typical time for a full recovery is about six weeks.
Outcomes of Cervical Microdiscectomy
Patients experience significant relief immediately after a microdiscectomy. While there may be some pain from the surgery itself, the nerve pain caused by the ruptured disc is gone. As the patient recovers, they will also gradually regain strength and mobility until their neck returns to normal function.
Because microdiscectomy is minimally invasive, it offers additional benefits over a traditional discectomy. This approach avoids cutting into muscle and soft tissue. The reduced surgical trauma allows for less post-operative pain, bleeding, or risk of infection. It also leads to a faster recovery, letting patients enjoy a faster return to their pain-free life.
Find Expert Neck Pain Treatment Near You in New Jersey
Don’t wait to experience relief from spine pain. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Our patients can access cutting-edge spinal treatments, including cervical microdiscectomy. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey locations near you.
Frequently Asked Questions on Cervical Microdiscectomy
What is cervical microdiscectomy?
A cervical microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure to remove parts of a spinal disc on the cervical region, or neck. It is a minimally invasive form of discectomy.
What conditions does cervical microdiscectomy treat?
Cervical microdiscectomy is used to treat pain due to a ruptured or herniated spinal disc. It is most often recommended for patients whose condition interferes with their everyday function or mobility. It is also used for those whose pain has not responded to conservative treatments.
Is cervical microdiscectomy effective at relieving pain?
Most patients feel better immediately after receiving a microdiscectomy. Full recovery takes about six weeks and can bring patients back to normal, pain-free living.
What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive procedures like microdiscectomy are surgeries that limit the amount of cutting done to access the surgical site. This allows for faster recoveries with less pain or risk of infection.