Cervical Spinal Fusion Near You in New Jersey
Chronic neck pain can lead to constant discomfort that disrupts sleep and interferes with everyday activities, making it difficult to live life to its fullest. If you are struggling with neck pain, seek treatment at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We perform cutting-edge spine surgery procedures like cervical spinal fusion to provide long-lasting relief. Treatments are offered at several locations across New Jersey, which are equipped with the latest technology to help you get back to pain-free living. Learn more about cervical spinal fusion surgery.
What Is Cervical Spinal Fusion?
Cervical spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to treat issues with the cervical spine, or neck. During the fusion procedure, the surgeon fuses two or more vertebrae into a single bone. Cervical spinal fusion is a permanent solution to many forms of neck pain.
The spine is composed of a column of interlocking bones called vertebrae. Ordinarily, this structure provides great flexibility while protecting the spinal cord. When something goes wrong with the vertebrae, however, a person may experience pain, stiffness, and a decreased quality of life.
Fusion eliminates movement between the vertebrae, which may result in patients losing some flexibility in the neck. However, the resulting structure is more stable, leading to significant pain relief.
When Is Cervical Spinal Fusion Recommended?
Cervical spinal fusion can be used to relieve pain caused by a wide variety of neck conditions. At NU-Spine, we use this treatment for the following:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
- Cervical facet syndrome
- Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
- Neck injury
- Spinal stenosis
- Kyphosis
- Scoliosis
- Herniated disc
- Spine infection
- Tumors
Cervical spinal fusion may also be performed to stabilize the spine after another surgical procedure, such as tumor removal, corpectomy, or discectomy.
Surgery is not typically the first recommended treatment. Instead, physicians begin with conservative measures that may include pain management medications, steroid injections, physical therapy, or a supportive brace. If the pain does not respond to other treatments, cervical spinal fusion may provide long-term relief. Patients may speak with their NU-Spine neurosurgeon to find out whether surgery is recommended for their case.
Who Performs Cervical Spinal Fusion at NU-Spine?
At NU-Spine, surgical procedures like cervical spinal fusion are performed by Dr. Branko Skovrlj. He is a board-certified neurosurgeon and a world-renowned specialist in all kinds of spine surgery. Dr. Skovrlj has a special focus on complex procedures and minimally invasive spine surgery, believing that reduced intrusion is the key to healthier, happier patients. His contributions to medical research have earned him multiple awards and recognitions.
Despite his accolades, Dr. Skovrlj has not given up his small-town values. Patients find him down-to-earth and approachable in appointments. He takes the time to get to know each one personally, helping them feel comfortable when discussing painful conditions.
How Is Cervical Spinal Fusion Performed?
Cervical spinal fusion takes place at NU-Spine’s state-of-the-art surgical facilities. Dr. Skovrlj begins by explaining the procedure and answering any patient questions. He then administers general anesthesia to keep the patient asleep during the procedure. Once the anesthesia takes effect, he completes the procedure following these steps:
- Skovrlj makes an incision on the front, side, or back of the neck.
- Using precise instruments, he navigates around muscle and soft tissue to access the spine.
- If any other procedure is necessary, such as tumor removal or discectomy, it will be performed before the spinal fusion.
- Skovrlj places a bone graft between the affected vertebrae. Bone grafts may be harvested from another part of the body or sourced from a donor bank.
- Titanium plates, rods, or screws may be used to anchor the bone graft and eliminate spinal movement until the fusion is complete.
- The incision is closed using sutures (stitches) or staples.
The procedure can take a few hours depending on what other surgeries need to take place. Once it is complete, the patient is taken to a recovery room to wake up from anesthesia. Most patients will spend a night at the hospital, allowing doctors to monitor their condition and prevent complications. They can go home the next day to begin recovery.
Recovery After Cervical Spinal Fusion
When the patient is cleared to go home, the NU-Spine physician will provide guidance for recovery. Following these instructions is important to avoid infection and other complications. The guidelines often include:
- Protecting incision sites with dressings
- Limiting strenuous activities for several weeks
- Managing pain with medications
- Following special instructions for bathing
- Alerting doctors to signs of infection
- Scheduling follow-up appointments
Most patients can return to normal activities after a few days or weeks. At this point, physical therapy may begin. A personalized exercise plan will help the patient rebuild strength, stability, and flexibility in their neck after surgery. Full recovery takes about four to six weeks, though the bone may take a year or more to fuse completely.
Outcomes of Cervical Spinal Fusion
Once the patient has recovered, they will experience significant improvement in quality of life. Cervical spinal fusion is a permanent solution to many forms of neck pain. Almost every patient will experience the following benefits after surgery:
- Pain relief
- Improved stability
- Reduced risk of injury
- Reduced reliance on medications
- Better sleep
The effects of cervical spinal fusion are permanent, meaning that pain should not return after surgery. Patients can return to their active lifestyle with confidence.
Get Cervical Spinal Fusion Surgery Near You in New Jersey
Don’t wait to experience relief from neck pain. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Experience cutting-edge cervical spinal fusion at locations across New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey locations near you.
Frequently Asked Questions on Cervical Spinal Fusion
What does cervical spinal fusion do?
Cervical spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that fuses two or more neck vertebrae. This stabilizes the joint, effectively eliminating pain from a variety of conditions.
When is cervical spinal fusion recommended?
Cervical spinal fusion is recommended for a range of health conditions, including spine injuries, pinched nerves, herniated discs, osteoarthritis, and more. It is typically used to treat pain that does not respond to conservative methods. NU-Spine can help you determine whether surgery is right for you.
What are the benefits of cervical spinal fusion?
By fusing a joint together, cervical spinal fusion eliminates pain caused by mobility in the joint. This stabilizes the neck and reduces symptoms to help patients live comfortably.
Is cervical spinal fusion permanent?
The results of cervical spinal fusion are permanent and cannot be undone.