/assets/images/provider/photos/2743449.jpeg)
3 Reasons to Consider Spine Fusion for Chronic Neck Pain
From time to time, about 20% of the population will suffer from neck pain. Neck pain ranks high, in addition to low back pain, as one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. Often, neck pain subsides after a few days or, with an injury, in a few weeks.
But if you’re among the chronic neck pain sufferers whose symptoms linger for months, you are aware that finding relief can be frustrating and debilitating. Even the simplest tasks can cause excruciating pain, such as working at a computer or looking down at your phone.
If conservative, nonsurgical treatments have failed, where can you find relief? Spine fusion may be a viable option, says Neil Bhamb, MD. In this blog, Dr. Bhamb explains what spine fusion is and how it may help with chronic neck pain.
The complexities of neck pain
Have you ever wondered why so many people have neck and back pain? It’s all about the biomechanics of the spine. The spine facilitates movement, provides structure for the back, and protects the spinal cord, which transmits communication between the brain and all the systems in the body.
The neck is a vulnerable area, which includes seven small vertebrae, surrounded by muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Vertebrae C1 through C7 connect to the back by facet joints, which create forward, backward, and twisting motions.
When neck muscles, joints, and ligaments are strong, agile, and balanced, pain-free movement happens effortlessly. Unfortunately, poor posture, the ramifications of normal natural aging, trauma or accidents, extended sitting, and repetitive motion can derail a healthy cervical spine and lead to neck pain.
Spine fusion explained
Spine fusion, sometimes called spinal fusion, is a surgical procedure that frequently addresses spondylolisthesis and herniated discs, as well as numerous lower back and neck conditions, including:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Scoliosis
- Arthritis in the spine
- Spinal tumors
- Instability or weakness due to infections or tumors
- Compression fractures of the vertebrae
- Trauma or fractures to the bones in the spine
Typically, a spine fusion surgery may take several hours to complete. To begin the process, your provider administers a general anesthetic. At our practice, fellowship-trained spine surgeon Neil Bhamb, MD, is an expert in the care of issues related to the spine and is renowned for performing minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) and endoscopic spine surgery (ESS).
Whenever possible, Dr. Bhamb uses minimally invasive surgical techniques to complete spine surgery. He creates the final surgical plan and specific procedures used on factors like your general health, age, weight, and the reason for your surgery. Both MISS and ESS create less trauma to the body as opposed to traditional open surgery. For the patient, this scenario translates into quicker recovery times, less pain, and a reduced risk for surgical complications.
Dr. Bhamb connects two or more vertebrae in the treatment area for a spine fusion. This connection or fusing process prevents movement and nerve compression, which relieves pain, but you also lose the range of motion in the fused part of the spine. If your surgeon uses MISS or ESS techniques, there’s a greater chance of preserving more range of motion since it causes less trauma to the body.
After a spine fusion procedure, patients typically spend two to four days in the hospital and can return to work in about four to six weeks. Resuming more strenuous physical activities can take up to three months or so.
The reasons to consider spine fusion
Like any surgical procedure, spine fusion may not be the best course of action for everyone. There are many situations where spine fusion can be an ideal treatment option.
1. Addresses weakness and instability
Spine fusion connects vertebrae in the treatment area and fixes the underlying issue of instability and weakness. As a result, the surgery bolsters or reinforces your neck structure and enhances stability.
2. Relieves pain and prevents progression of the underlying condition
If you suffer from chronic neck pain, you are aware of how the pain can wreak havoc on performing daily activities to the point of being debilitating. Spine fusion may get you some relief from your pain and prevent your underlying spine issue from progressing further.
3. Addresses condition when nonsurgical treatments fail
While pain relief and reinforcing your cervical spine are pluses of spine fusion, perhaps the top reason is that it provides an option when all nonsurgical treatments have failed. Knowing there’s a viable off-ramp for your chronic neck pain that can liberate your suffering can help you take back your life so you can feel more like yourself again.
If you suffer from chronic neck pain and want to know if spinal fusion is best for you, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Bhamb at our Century City or Marina Del Rey office. Call or book your appointment online today.