What is neck surgery called?

Cervical spine surgery, or neck surgery, refers to a surgical procedure performed on the cervical spine, which consists of the seven bones (vertebrae) that run from the base of the skull to the top of the chest. Neck surgery is typically performed to treat a variety of conditions affecting the cervical spine, including:

* Cervical disc herniation: This occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of an intervertebral disc protrudes or ruptures through a tear in the disc's outer layer, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

* Cervical spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal, the bony passageway through which the spinal cord runs, which can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots.

* Cervical spondylolisthesis: This is a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it.

* Degenerative disc disease: This is a common age-related condition characterized by the gradual breakdown and wear of intervertebral discs.

* Fractures: These can occur in the cervical vertebrae due to trauma, such as a car accident or a fall.

* Tumors: Both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors can develop in the cervical spine.

Neck surgery aims to relieve pain, improve neurological function, and stabilize the cervical spine. The type of surgery performed depends on the specific condition being treated and may involve one or more of the following procedures:

* Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF): This involves removing the herniated disc material and then fusing the affected vertebrae together to prevent further movement.

* Posterior cervical laminectomy: This involves removing the lamina, the back part of the vertebra, to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

* Cervical corpectomy and fusion: This involves removing a damaged vertebra and replacing it with a bone graft to fuse the adjacent vertebrae together.

* Cervical artificial disc replacement: This involves replacing a damaged disc with an artificial disc to restore motion in the spine.

The decision to undergo neck surgery is not taken lightly and is made in consultation with a qualified neurosurgeon or spine surgeon. Surgery is usually recommended only when non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, and injections, have failed to provide adequate relief.