Conditions We Treat
Neck Pain
Your cervical spine, the seven bones in your neck, are small, flexible, and strong, allowing you to hold up your head and move it with ease. But even the most minor variation in the relationship between those bones can cause pain and restrict mobility.
Why Does Neck Pain Occur?
Neck pain occurs for a variety of reasons, but it is often tied to the discs in the neck. Over time, those discs start to deteriorate naturally, which leads to spondylosis (cervical disc degeneration). There may be other reasons for damaged discs in the neck area as well, including auto accidents or other types of sudden injury.
In some cases, neck pain is short term and will resolve after a few hours or days. This includes situations like sleeping in an awkward and unnatural position. Common causes include:
Your Spine Center of Louisiana physician is highly experienced in pinpointing the source of neck pain and will discuss your surgical and non-surgical options to alleviate it.
What Type of Surgery Helps Resolve Neck Pain?
The type of surgery needed to resolve neck pain depends on the specific cause of the pain.
Decompressive Laminectomy
When the pain is a result of a damaged disc, this procedure may relieve the pain and pressure.
Disc Replacement
If the disc is highly damaged and can't be salvaged, a disc replacement procedure may be a good solution.
Cervical Fusion
If a cervical disc is removed and is not replaced, a fusion procedure can permanently connect the vertebrae, which will prevent pain in the future.
What Is the Recovery Like After Neck Surgery?
The recovery after neck surgery is very much specific to the individual person and the specific procedure. Patients will usually be able to leave the hospital in a few days with a minimally invasive procedure, with a slightly longer stay for the more complex neck surgeries. In cervical disc replacement, it will take some time for the new disc to become fully integrated.
Ease Back In
Most people can start to ease back into their usual routine fairly quickly, but all strenuous movements must be avoided. Patients should be careful to follow all of the doctor's guidelines closely so that their healing is complete.
Your dedicated doctor will discuss the recovery process if neck surgery is deemed necessary. Request an appointment to find effective treatment for your neck pain.
If Surgery Is Needed
The Road to Recovery
Recovery is specific to you and your procedure, but the path looks like this.
Hospital Stay
Usually a few days for a minimally invasive procedure, slightly longer for more complex neck surgeries.
Healing and Integration
In cervical disc replacement, it takes some time for the new disc to become fully integrated. Follow your doctor's guidelines closely so healing is complete.
Back to Your Routine
Most people ease back into their usual routine fairly quickly, avoiding all strenuous movements until cleared.
Keep Exploring
Related Conditions and Treatments
Neck pain often connects to these conditions and procedures.
Hold Your Head High Again
Our physicians will pinpoint the source of your neck pain and walk you through every option, surgical and non-surgical. Urgent, same-day appointments are often available.