Neck pain can range from a minor inconvenience to a serious medical issue, especially when it starts to affect your arms, shoulders, or daily activities. While many cervical spine problems can be treated with physical therapy, medications, or injections, some conditions are severe enough to require surgery. If conservative options haven’t brought relief, it may be time to explore surgical solutions with a spine specialist. Dr. Todd J. Albert is an experienced orthopedic surgeon based in New York City.
Cervical Disc Herniation
A herniated disc in the neck occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the outer layer, compressing nearby nerves. This can cause sharp neck pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms or hands. If these symptoms don’t improve with non-surgical treatment, surgery such as cervical disc replacement or spinal fusion may be recommended to remove the damaged disc and relieve pressure on the nerves.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck, which can compress the spinal cord. This may lead to pain, loss of balance, hand coordination issues, or even difficulty walking. When neurological symptoms appear or worsen, surgery is often the most effective way to prevent long-term damage and improve quality of life.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As discs wear down over time, they can lose height and cushioning, leading to pain and inflammation. The degeneration sometimes becomes so severe that it causes instability or nerve compression. If you’ve tried other treatments without success, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore stability and alleviate symptoms.
Cervical Myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy is a serious condition caused by spinal cord compression, often from stenosis, bone spurs, or disc degeneration. You might experience clumsiness, frequent falls, hand weakness, or changes in bladder function. Because this condition involves the spinal cord, surgery is typically the best course of action to restore function and prevent it from worsening.
Cervical Instability or Trauma
If your neck has become unstable due to injury, arthritis, or previous surgery, you may require a spinal fusion to stabilize the vertebrae and protect the spinal cord. Trauma-related conditions, such as fractures or dislocations, also commonly require urgent surgical care.
When to Consider Surgery
If you’re experiencing persistent neck pain, numbness, or weakness — and conservative treatments haven’t helped — it’s time to consult a cervical spine specialist. Dr. Albert is the author of seven books on spinal surgery, earning him prominence in his field. He provides advanced diagnostics and surgical care for various neck conditions to patients in NYC. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact his office at 212-606-1004 today.
