Cervical Conditions Likely to Hinder Your Mobility

Everyone occasionally suffers from neck discomfort. While some are short-lived with manageable symptoms, others can be persistent, disabling, and even life-threatening. Do not be tempted to ignore the pain; it could be a cervical condition’s symptom. Edison cervical conditions neurosurgeon, Jeff Pan, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating various cervical conditions. He provides his patients with therapies to alleviate their pain, restore their cervical spine functions, and improve their life quality. Dr. Pan and his team of experts will take you through a thorough physical examination to evaluate your root source of pain before recommending a treatment option.       

How is your cervical spine susceptible to injuries?

Your cervical spine anatomy allows for a wide range of motion and flexibility. Unfortunately, the anatomy also makes it vulnerable to various physical forces, especially during traumatic injuries. For instance, you always subject your neck to unusual positions when driving, sitting, or using your computer. Your cervical spine’s high-level of mobility also allows premature degenerative changes because of abuse and overuse.   

What are the common cervical conditions you are likely to suffer from?

Neck pain is a common symptom when you are suffering from a cervical spine disorder that involves your neck bones and the spongy discs between your muscles, joints, and ligaments. Apart from the neck pain, you may also have painful shoulders, jaw, legs, or arms accompanied by weakness or numbness.

Other cervical disorders include:

• Cervical degenerative disc disease

• Cervical herniated disc

• Cervical spinal stenosis

• Cervical radiculopathy

• Cervical myelopathy

• Cervical spondylosis

Which movements will a cervical condition interfere with?

Your neck works in conjunction with several body parts on your upper torso. Therefore, a cervical condition will affect not only your neck’s mobility but also your arms, especially if your nerve root functions have been compromised. The bad news is, if your spinal cord’s functions get compromised, your entire body is most likely to lose its mobility. Additionally, you will lose your ability to control bladder and bowel movements.   

What are the treatment options your doctor will recommend for a cervical condition?

Your doctor will recommend various treatment options to ease symptoms, which can either be surgical or non-surgical procedures. However, the treatment will depend on your underlying cause. The treatment aims at improving your mobility and functioning and lessening painful symptoms.   

In a severe case where the condition compromises your spinal cord or nerve root functions, your doctor will suggest a surgical procedure. Your surgical options could either be a microsurgical technique or a complex reconstructive surgery of your neck. The surgical interventions your doctor might choose from include:

• Discectomy

• Cervical spinal fusion

• Laminoplasty

• Artificial disc replacement

• Decompressive laminectomy

Your doctor will use spinal instrumentation’s advanced technology to perform a minimally invasive spinal surgery to minimize post-surgical pain during a surgical procedure.    

The non-surgical treatment options your doctor include

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Physical therapy

• Pain-relieving medication

Cervical conditions will hinder most of your movements. This is because your neck is flexible, allowing you to move your head in various directions and positions. Unfortunately, your cervical spine’s anatomy and mobility make it susceptible to injuries and discomfort. For more inquiries on cervical conditions, schedule an appointment today and discuss your symptoms with Jeff Pan, MD today.