Spinal Surgery
Anatomy of the Cervical Spine
The neck is the upper portion of the spine and is part of a long flexible column known as the spinal column. Twenty-four connected bones (vertebrae) make up this column. The seven bones in your neck are referred to as the cervical spine.
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What is neck pain?
General pain located in the neck area, as well as stiffness in the neck muscles. The pain may radiate down to the shoulder or between the shoulder blades. There may be a prickly or tingling sensation in the arms and fingers It may also radiate out into the arm, the hand or up into the head, causing a one-sided or double- sided headache. The muscles in the neck are tense, sore and feel hard to the touch. Acute pain can give rise to abnormal neck posture in which the head is forced to turn to one side. This condition is known as torticollis.
Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis
If symptoms develop, they can range from mild to severe. Symptoms depend on type of cervical spondylosis. There are 3 types.
- Cervical spondylosis without radiculopathy or myelopathy (Neck pains)
- Cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy (Neck pains and arm symptoms)
- Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy (Neck pains and cord compression)
Cervical Spine Spondylosis Diagnosis
Cervical spondylosis can limit the range of movement in your neck. Your Specialist (Neurosurgeon) may ask you to try and rotate your head from side to side and tilt your head towards your shoulders.
Treatment Cervical Disc Prolapse
Not all patients with neck or back pain require surgery; in fact, more than 95% find symptom relief through non-surgical therapies such as exercise, medication, physical therapy and chiropractic care.
Cervical Spine Replacement
The vertebrae (spinal column bones), which encircle and protect your spinal cord, are separated by shock-absorbing discs. The discs give your spine the flexibility to move. Nerves branching from the spinal cord pass through openings in the vertebrae to other parts of your body.