Other nonsurgical treatments include cervical traction, acupuncture , transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS , cognitive behavioral therapy, and biofeedback. Cervical spine surgery may be considered as a treatment of last resort in cases when a nerve root or spinal cord compression causes or worsens neurological deficits.
Surgery may also be performed to improve stability of the neck after severe fracture or dislocation. See Surgery for Neck Pain. While some procedures involve removal of a portion of the disc, most cervical spine surgeries include removal of the entire disc and replacement with a bone graft for fusion or artificial disc.
Did you know you can support education and research for conditions like cervical stenosis while you shop, at no extra cost to you? Register with AmazonSmile to designate the NREF as your charity, and a percentage of your purchase is donated automatically. You should consult a neurosurgeon for neck pain if you have the above listed symptoms or the following:. For serious neck problems, a primary care physician and often a specialist, such as a neurosurgeon, should be consulted to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
If you experience sudden onset of weakness, the situation may be emergent and you must seek medical attention at an emergency room, as delaying care may lead to permanent neurological injury.
For more gradual onset of symptoms over weeks to months, see your primary care physician for potential referral to a spine surgeon. Diagnosis is made by a neurosurgeon based on history, symptoms, a physical examination and results of tests, including the following.
As some degree of arthritis and spinal degeneration is normal due to aging, the neurosurgeon must determine if findings on imaging studies correlate to symptoms. Nonsurgical treatment is the first approach in patients with common neck pain not involving trauma.
For example, many patients with cervical disc herniations improve with conservative treatment and time and do not require surgery. Conservative treatment includes time, medication, brief bed rest, reduction of strenuous physical activity and physical therapy.
A doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the pain or inflammation and muscle relaxants to allow time for healing to occur. An injection of corticosteroids into the joints of the cervical spine or epidural space be used to temporarily relieve pain. There are several different surgical procedures that can be utilized, the choice of which is influenced by the specifics of each case.
In a percentage of patients, spinal instability may require that spinal fusion be performed, a decision that is generally determined prior to surgery. Spinal fusion is an operation that creates a solid union between two or more vertebrae. Various devices like screws or plates may be used to enhance fusion and support unstable areas of the cervical spine. This procedure may assist in strengthening and stabilizing the spine and may thereby help to alleviate severe and chronic neck pain.
This operation is performed on the neck to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots or on the spinal cord. The cervical spine is reached through a small incision in the anterior front of the neck. If only one disc is to be removed, it will typically be a small horizontal incision in the crease of the skin. Keppler, J. Acute spinal cord injury. Critical Care Clinics. Netter, F. Atlas of Human Anatomy. New Jersey: Novartis. Waxman, S.
Correlative Neuroanatomy. Therapy, such as C6 spinal cord injury exercises, may address these issues. Having C7 vertebrae pain is an indicator of damage to this vertebrae.
A survivor of a C7 SCI will likely have full neck movement but may sense tingling and numbness in the hands and fingers, as well as referred pain in the shoulder blade.
Types of spinal cord injury to this area have similar symptoms to those at the C6 and C7 levels. Depending upon the completeness, a C8 injury will lead to paralysis of the legs, trunk, and hands, with patients maintaining shoulder and arm movement.
Treatment for these types of spinal cord injury are aimed at retaining as much function as possible while regaining lost function. Several therapy options may be tried to aid in spinal cord damage recovery. Mental therapy for a C8 injury and vertebrae damage is also a very important part of treating a spinal cord injury patient.
The therapist can help the patient deal with the emotional side of recovery. Spinal cord injuries to the C6, C7, and C8 levels that are treated immediately have the best chance for recovery.
Patients will typically know the extent of the long-term damage within six months of the injury. Learning to deal with the limitations of the injury is a very important part of the recovery phase. Keeping a positive attitude can aid the patient in pushing through surgeries and therapies. Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand.
Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move. Watch Our Video. Author: Spinalcord. C6 Spinal Vertebra Defined The C6 spinal vertebra is part of the cervical spinal cord, located in the lowest region of the neck.
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