By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. As the tissue grows older, it contracts. The formation of scar tissue near nerve roots is called epidural fibrosis. Your doctor will work with you to devise an appropriate timeline for your return to activity. While this study reinforces the safety of routine cervical spinal fusion, you can do your part to improve your surgery’s success by discussing your risks and benefits with your surgeon before undergoing your procedure. Spine researchers seeking to better understand death rates of patients undergoing cervical spine surgery found that death is a very rare, virtually nonexistent complication of neck surgery. Diagnosing a cervical spinal condition will be based on your history, symptoms, physical examination and the results of medical imaging studies. What a pleasant experience. About 25% of people with symptoms of this condition are under age 40. The removal of part of the lamina creates an opening for the compressed nerves, relieving pressure on the nerve roots and reducing inflammation. Neck problems are one of the top 5 surgically treated conditions in the United States. Cervical myelopathy is a condition in which spinal cord in the neck region is compressed. Spinal fusion is needed more often when stenosis surgery is performed in the cervical spine because that area tends to become unstable as a result of spinal decompression. As the scar tissue contracts, it can impact the surrounding nerves. Cost Factors of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery in NJ, Patient Guide: Scoliosis Surgery Recovery Timeline. The formation of scar tissue is a common occurrence after “open” or fusion spine surgery has been performed. In the 1980s, there was a better understanding of the cervical spine, including how pathological changes could lead to instability. Some common symptoms that might indicate you need cervical spine surgery to treat your condition include: Age, injury, poor posture and disease can lead to cervical spine degeneration. But even if the risk is low, serious complications can occur. If you are considering back surgery to relieve chronic pain, learn what the term “back surgery” really means and which type would be most helpful for you. Low Risk, But Complications Exist The success rate of cervical spine surgery is very high, but complications have been reported. A nurse will attend to you and monitor your vital signs, motor control and circulation. After two to four weeks, most patients return to work or school and find that they no longer need their prescribed pain medications. As a safety precaution, it’s a good idea to have a friend or family member accessible throughout your first few weeks at home. Around this time you may also begin a light physical therapy regimen, as your doctor sees fit. While as much as 80% of neck problems can be managed with non-surgical therapies, surgery may be necessary to decompress nerves and/or stabilize the spine. However, patients who have had previous cervical fusions with residual pain can also benefit from the Bonati Posterior Cervical Decompression. Neck pain is often attributed to sleeping incorrectly, turning your head too quickly or trauma. “The take away is that most of the complications were very rare, some were almost nonexistent,” Buser and Wang said. If you are suffering from a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease or other spinal condition, conservative treatments are available. This page is best viewed with JavaScript enabled. The researchers referenced a previous study that found 19 people who had emergent cervical surgery died during surgery, versus 1 who died during an elective procedure. All throughout your recovery, your doctor will monitor the progress of your bone fusion using x-rays. The following is an overview of the typical timeline for cervical spinal stenosis surgery recovery so that you can feel more comfortable about your treatment experience and more confident about the long-term health of your spine. Spinal fusion recovery can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks up to 3 months, depending on your level of activity. “It is important to evaluate spine pathology [cause of disease or disorder] and any other comorbidities, such as smoking, diabetes, and mental disorders. “In a very severe case, this could lead to death. These procedures may include: A foraminotomy/foraminectomy is a decompression surgery performed in order to increase the space of the foramen and hollow out the passageway where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. Professional, friendly staff...”, “Dr. The purpose of this study was to identify how often death occurred during (intraoperatively) cervical spine surgery, along with any associated risk factors. The prospect of surgery can be downright intimidating. In addition, due to the nature of these procedures the movement of the spine is preserved, therefore, the formation of painful scar tissue is greatly reduced. Could your low back pain be SI-joint related? Spinal stenosis can be especially dangerous in the cervical region because if left untreated, it can cause severe body weakness and even paralysis. You may be a candidate for cervical spinal surgery if: • You are experiencing nerve pain or symptoms in your arms and/or legs, • You have numbness or weakness in upper and/or lower extremities. While complications are generally quite rare, you may be at a higher risk for certain complications based on the type of neck surgery you undergo. About 60% of people over the age of 40 have some degree of degenerative disc disease. Artificial Disc Replacement After Spinal Fusion, Minimally Invasive Laminotomy/ Laminectomy, discussing your risks and benefits with your surgeon, Solid Growth: Bone Grafts’ Role in Spine Surgery and Fusion Success, Diabetes and Spine Surgery: What You Need to Know, Smoking, Tobacco Use, e-Cigarettes and Spine Surgery, Cigarette Smoking and Its Impact on Spinal Fusions. Improvements in cervical spine surgery were revolutionized as physical examinations, diagnostic imaging and development of surgical techniques and instruments progressed. Red carpet treatment. LET'S DISCUSS YOUR CONDITIONS.THERE IS NO OBLIGATION. The surgery can help alleviate problems that arise from such pressure, including weakness, numbness, and pain. If your surgery has involved a spinal fusion, you will likely be wearing a brace to make sure that your neck is undisturbed while it heals. Bonati is a Godsend for me! Every surgical procedure carries a risk of complications. Whether you are allowed to leave the hospital after just one or two days or whether in-patient rehabilitation is needed depends a lot on the size of your surgery and your neurological condition. A diagnosis will be made once you have become our patient and been evaluated at our facility. Dr. Uteg was very professional/courteous & a man with great character & compassion....”, “Dr. Cervical spinal stenosis surgery recovery can be a long process, but if you diligently follow your doctor’s advice, you drastically improve your chances of a complete return to activity. Global Spine J. The goal of cervical spine surgery is to relieve the pain and resolve the underlying problem. Post-surgery, you will be prescribed a regimen of walking therapy and your surgeon will complete a follow-up consultation to determine if you require other surgeries. The researchers noted that one of the key factors that may increase death risk during surgery is whether the procedure is an emergency or elective (routine). The spinal canal can be narrowed by bone spurs, thickened ligaments or a herniated disc. Lumbar disc degeneration was a deep focus in the beginning of spinal surgery and the first laminectomy was performed in 1829. The cervical spine is comprised of seven vertebrae, C1 through C7, which begins at the base of the skull and extends down into the thoracic spine.