The idea of getting neck surgery can be scary, and it’s natural to hope that the pain or stiffness you’re experiencing can be treated without any invasive procedures. The truth is, however, while most neck pain can be managed with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medication, and rest, certain injuries and conditions may require more advanced care to restore function and relieve chronic pain.
Below, our orthopedic specialists from One Oak Medical explore the most common neck injuries and conditions that require surgery for proper recovery.
Injuries & Conditions That May Require Neck Surgery
Orthopedic surgery is typically considered when non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief, or when a structural problem threatens the spinal cord or nerves. Below are some of the most common injuries and conditions that might make neck surgery necessary.
Cervical Herniated or Bulging Disc
Between each vertebra in your neck (your cervical spine) are soft, cushion-like discs that absorb shock. Over time or after an injury, one of these discs can herniate or bulge, pressing against nearby nerves or the spinal cord. This can cause symptoms such as:
- Persistent neck pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
- Muscle weakness
- Shooting pain down one arm
When conservative treatments such as physical therapy or injections fail to relieve these symptoms, neck surgery may be necessary to remove or repair the herniated disc and decompress the affected nerves.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis With Myelopathy
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing can be caused by bone spurs (osteophytes) from arthritis, thickened ligaments, or bulging discs. When this narrowing becomes so severe that it starts to compress the spinal cord itself (not just a nerve root), it’s called cervical myelopathy.
Because it affects the main spinal cord, the symptoms are often more global and alarming:
- Clumsiness and loss of fine motor skills (e.g., difficulty buttoning a shirt, a change in handwriting, dropping objects)
- Balance issues and difficulty walking (feeling like you’re walking on unstable ground, for example)
- A “pins and needles” or electric-shock feeling down the back or into the legs when bending the neck forward
- Weakness or stiffness in the arms and legs
Cervical myelopathy is often progressive, meaning it will get worse over time. Surgery is frequently recommended to decompress the spinal cord and stop the progression of nerve damage, which can otherwise become permanent.
Severe Cervical Fractures (a Broken Neck) or Dislocation
A broken neck is a serious injury that can result from car accidents, sports injuries, or severe falls. It is typically marked by severe pain and, often, immediate neurological symptoms like paralysis or numbness if the spinal cord is involved.
Some fractures may heal with immobilization, but unstable or displaced fractures that threaten the spinal cord typically require surgery to stabilize the spine and prevent paralysis or long-term nerve damage.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As people age, the discs in the neck naturally lose hydration and flexibility, leading to pain and stiffness. While mild cases respond well to conservative treatment, severe degenerative disc disease can lead to chronic pain, instability, or nerve compression. If these symptoms significantly affect your quality of life and don’t improve with therapy, surgical intervention such as disc replacement or spinal fusion may be recommended.
Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)
When a nerve root in the neck becomes compressed (often due to a herniated disc or bone spur), it can cause radiating pain, numbness, or weakness that extends from the neck into the shoulders or arms. If these symptoms don’t improve with rest, physical therapy, or medication, surgery may be needed to relieve the pressure on the affected nerve.
Types of Neck Surgery
If you and your doctor decide surgery is the right move, the goal is almost always one of two things: decompression (taking pressure off a nerve or spinal cord) or stabilization (stopping painful or dangerous movement). These goals can be achieved through:
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): This is the most common neck surgery. The surgeon makes a small incision in the front of the neck, removes the problematic disc (discectomy), and then fuses the two vertebrae together with a bone graft and plate.
- Artificial Disc Replacement: During this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged disc (like in an ACDF) but replaces it with an artificial disc designed to preserve motion in the neck.
- Laminoplasty or Laminectomy: These are decompression surgeries done from the back of the neck. They are often used for spinal stenosis. The surgeon creates more space for the spinal cord by either removing a small piece of bone (laminectomy) or “hinging” it open (laminoplasty).
Find Relief From Neck Pain at One Oak Medical
The only way to truly know what’s causing your neck pain and whether it might require surgery is to have it evaluated by a highly trained orthopedic doctor. Our team at One Oak Medical will conduct a thorough physical exam, test your muscle strength and reflexes, and review your medical history to provide an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. We prioritize conservative care and will only recommend surgery when it is truly necessary for your long-term health and well-being.
If you’re in the North Jersey area and are tired of living with neck pain, contact One Oak Medical today to schedule a comprehensive consultation.