Alabama Neurosurgeons, P.C.

Neck Surgery

Surgery in the cervical spine or neck frequently is done for a disc or a spur. Usually the pain goes down to one side of the shoulder or arm, and frequently precipitated by the patient rotating the chin to the same side as the pain, and then elevating the chin. There are other reasons to do neck surgery including stenosis, and tumors, etc.

Surgery in the cervical spine can be done from behind or from the front of the neck. From behind, unless it is trauma, usually decompression alone is in order without plating or fusion. From the front, fusion is usually indicated with or without plating. There are different risks and reasons for choosing one approach over the other.

Your surgeon should be familiar and able to utilize both approaches based upon your particular needs. A patient is cautioned that if fusion at more than 2 levels is recommended, a second opinion is suggested by this surgeon. Arthroplasty or joint replacement is a surgical alternative for an anterior or frontal approach to the neck.