ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY & FUSION

If you have chronic pain, numbness, or low mobility of the back and neck, you may have a degenerated or herniated disc. This painful condition occurs when the rubbery discs that separate the spinal vertebrae wear down over time or slip out of place, putting pressure on your nerves and causing pain and weakness. It is common to have problems with these discs, the result, however, may lead you to experience back and neck pain that doesn’t get better.

If your condition is chronic, it may be time to find out if an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion is right for you. This surgical procedure is recommended once all other treatment methods have failed. By choosing to forgo an Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion, you’ll find a permanent solution for your spinal disc problems.

If you and your doctor have determined that this procedure is the right move for you, contact our spine surgeon on Long Island for a consultation. At New York Orthopedic Spinal Associates, we will go through all of the details and answer any questions you may have about this procedure.

THE PROCEDURE

Before scheduling your appointment, here is a quick overview of the steps your surgeon will take during the procedure:

  • To gain access to your spinal discs, your surgeon will make an incision.
  • Your surgeon will move through your anterior muscle to get to the disc that is damaged and will completely remove the disc.
  • The removed disc will be replaced either through a bone graft or arthroplasty.

WHAT TO EXPECT POST SURGERY:

Since this is an outpatient surgery, you will be able to return home on the same day as the procedure. You will likely experience pain in and around the area that was operated on for a few weeks. Your doctor may recommend certain medications for the pain if needed. Most people return to their routines within 6 weeks or less. Once you’ve fully recovered, patients typically see chronic pain relief.

If you’re considering having an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, our spine surgeon on Long Island can talk you through the procedure step-by-step. So rather than living with the pain of a degenerated or herniated disc, contact New York Orthopedic Spinal Associates today!