Neck Conditions
Neck and/or arm pain, arm weakness, numbness and reduced co-ordination may all be symptoms of underlying neck conditions.
Common neck conditions we diagnose and treat include cervical disc radiculopathy and cervical canal stenosis.
Cervical Radiculopathy
The most common spine surgical condition in the neck is disc protrusion leading to nerve compression. This often leads to arm pain and/or numbness and may be associated with neck pain. This condition is called cervical radiculopathy.
Many disc protrusions in the neck resolved spontaneously but some patients suffer from ongoing pain, weakness or spinal cord compression. Patients suffering progression or persistence of these symptoms may potentially benefit from surgery.
Cervical Canal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck, cervical canal stenosis, can lead to spinal cord compression and symptoms including weakness and altered sensation in the arms or legs, clumsiness or difficulties walking, bowel or bladder dysfunction.
Spinal cord compression leading to symptoms such as the above is called cervical myelopathy. Surgical treatment may be indicated for many patients with cervical myelopathy.
Treatments
The successful management of neck conditions may incorporate a range of treatments, from conservative/medical management to spine surgery. Spine surgery procedure performed for neck conditions include posterior cervical foraminotomy, cervical laminectomy and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
Want to learn more about your condition?
Visit our patient resources page for a range of educational videos that delve further into the conditions most commonly affecting our patients. Any additional questions and concerns can be discussed during your consultation.