Finding Relief from Cervical Pain: Exploring the Benefits of Cervical Discectomy
Cervical pain, also called neck pain, refers to discomfort in the area of the spine below the head. This condition can be caused by various injuries or diseases and is a common symptom. Neck pain can limit a person’s ability to perform work-related tasks or participate in recreational activities and sports. Possible causes of neck pain include muscle strains, worn joints, nerve compression, injuries such as whiplash resulting from a car accident, and certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. For neck pain caused by a herniated or bulging disk, cervical discectomy is often considered the preferred treatment option.
WHAT IS CERVICAL DISCECTOMY?
Cervical discectomy is an outpatient, minimally invasive spine procedure that removes the herniated portion of the cervical disc. It results in rapid relief of neck pain and other symptoms that can greatly affect your daily life.
If you’re looking for an accomplished pain management specialist in New York City who is fellowship-trained and highly experienced in treating musculoskeletal pain and conditions, you should see Dr. Ilana Etelzon. Dr. Etelzon focuses on providing treatment options that break the pain cycle. Her goal is to help you live a pain-free life as quickly as possible.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A CERVICAL DISCECTOMY?
Neck pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of conditions. It’s often triggered by a herniated disc, in which a disc that serves as a cushion between two vertebrae bulges and presses on a nerve. If you have a herniated disk, you may experience the following symptoms :
- Persistent pain
- Shooting pain that radiates to the neck, shoulder or arm area
- Numbness in the shoulders or arms
- Back, neck and shoulder stiffness
- Tense muscles and spasms and inability to tilt or turn the head
- Headaches
Before recommending this or another surgical procedure, your NYC pain management doctor will try non-surgical treatments, such as activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and steroid injections. If your symptoms don’t decrease or worsen with nonsurgical measures, you may be a good candidate for a cervical discectomy.
