Cervical Radiculopathy
Posted under: Cervical Radiculopathy
What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy is the damage or disturbance of nerve function that results if one of the nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae is compressed. Damage to nerve roots in the cervical area can cause pain and the loss of sensation in various upper extremities, depending on where the damaged roots are located.
Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy
Damage can occur as a result of pressure from material from a ruptured disc, degenerative changes in bones, arthritis or other injuries that put pressure on the nerve roots. In older people, normal degenerative changes in the discs can cause pressure on nerve roots. In younger people, cervical radiculopathy tends to be the result of a ruptured disc. This disc material then compresses the nerve root, causing pain.
Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy
The main symptom of cervical radiculopathy is pain that spreads into the arm, neck, chest and/or shoulders. A person with radiculopathy may experience muscle weakness and/or numbness or tingling in fingers or hands. Other symptoms may include lack of coordination, especially in the hands.
Treatments of Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy may be treated with a combination of pain medications such as corticosteroids (powerful anti-inflammatory drugs) or non-steroidal pain medication (Motrin or Aleve) and physical therapy. Steroids may be prescribed either orally or injected epidurally (into the space above the dura, which is the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord).
Cervical spinal fusion
Cervical spinal fusion (arthrodesis) is a surgery that joins selected bones in the neck (cervical spine 
). There are different methods of performing a cervical spinal fusion:
- Bone can be taken from elsewhere in your body or obtained from a bone bank (a bone graft). The bone is used to make a bridge between vertebrae that are next to each other (adjacent). This bone graft stimulates the growth of new bone. Man-made (artificial) fusion materials may also be used.
- Metal implants can be used to hold the vertebrae together until new bone grows between them.
- Metal plates can be screwed into the bone, joining adjacent vertebrae.
- An entire vertebra can be removed, and the spine then fused.
- A spinal disc can be removed and the adjacent vertebrae fused.
This procedure can be performed through an incision on the front (anterior) or back (posterior) of the neck.
What To Expect After Surgery
This surgery usually requires a short stay in the hospital. You may need to wear a brace on your neck (cervical collar) during recovery.
Why It Is Done
Cervical spinal fusion may be done:
- After an injury, to stabilize the neck and prevent a bone fracture from causing instability or damage to the spinal cord , which may result in paralysis.
- To treat conditions such as misalignment of the vertebrae.
- As a follow-up procedure to treat spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, the effects of rheumatoid arthritis, an infection, tumors, or spinal deformities.
How Well It Works
Cervical spinal fusion is usually successful in relieving symptoms, but complications sometimes occur. Repeat surgery is sometimes needed to address complications or recurrence.
Risks
Although cervical spinal fusion stiffens part of the neck, this does not reduce neck flexibility for most people.
Surgery and the use of anesthesia involve some risk. The risks associated with this procedure vary depending on your age and overall health, diagnosis, and type of procedure used. Risks include:
- Pain in a bone graft site (donor site).
- Failure of the fusion, breakage of metal implants (if used), or both.
- Blood clots in deep veins.
- Nerve or spinal cord injury.
- Graft rejection.
- Infection.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Risks of general anesthesia.
What To Think About
Cervical spinal fusion is sometimes used:
- To treat acute injuries, such as fractures and dislocations.
- For mechanical or structural problems causing disabling pain (such as from cancer or infection)
~source WebMD
Well, this is what I am battling at the moment…it’s nothing I would wish upon any friend or foe of mine. I am anxious and a little scared but looking forward to meet the neuro-surgeon next week. Conservative therapy has not been successful so it seems as if Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion surgery will be the only relief for me. Keep your fingers crossed for me and I will keep you posted.
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