Neck Surgery: Be Sure to Learn All You Can Beforehand

May 18, 2016, on Articles | Share

Depending on the type of neck injury you’ve sustained, your doctor may suggest surgical treatment for your neck pain. Making the decision to have surgery can be difficult, so it is crucial for anyone facing such an option to be well-informed prior to reaching the operating table.

Types of Neck Surgeries

Anterior Cervical Discectomy (ACD)

An anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) is an operation that’s designed to relieve nerve root and/or spinal cord pressure created by bone spurs or herniated discs. In general, the surgery involves creating a small incision close to the front of the neck to perform the discectomy (removal of part of the bone around the nerve roots and/or spinal cord, along with disc material, in order to provide more space for the compressed structures).

Once removed, the surgeon can choose to either replace the disc with an artificial one or stabilize the space where the prior disc was through the use of a plate that will act as a brace while fusion takes place (which is a procedure known as an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)).

Cervical Spinal Fusion

Cervical spine fusions are typically performed on accident victims who have sustained injuries that caused their spinal cord to become unstable or damaged. Fusions may also be needed by individuals suffering from certain conditions, such as misaligned vertebrae, a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, tumors or even rheumatoid arthritis.

There are different ways to perform the fusion that will connect certain bones in a patient’s neck. For instance, a bone graft (using real or man-made bone) may be done to form a bridge between vertebrae and stimulate the development of new bone. Another option is to use metal implants or plates to hold the vertebrae together. The entire vertebrae can also be removed and then the spine can be fused.

Cervical Disc Replacement

A cervical disc replacement involves replacing the disc between the spinal bones (your vertebrae) with an artificial cervical disc. This type of surgery is typically performed on individuals who experience neck and/or arm pain; numbness/weakness in the forearms, arms or fingers; and a lack of coordination stemming from pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Good candidates for such surgery are usually those who’ve obtained non-operative treatment for the above symptoms for a minimum period of six weeks.

The surgery is similar to the ACD operation in that an incision is made near the front of the neck, through which the surgeon proceeds to remove the affected disc and replaces it with an artificial cervical disc.

What You Can Expect During Recovery

After your surgery, the doctor will likely prescribe a post-op exercise and recovery regimen that is specific to your needs in an effort to help you get back to life as usual. The length of time spent in the hospital is dependent upon the suggested treatment plan. It is not unusual for patients to be up and walking around the hospital by the end of the day after surgery; but of course, results will vary from patient to patient. Fusions generally require a brief hospital stay and you may require the use of a neck brace while your recover.

Regardless of the type of neck surgery you need, it is crucial for you to ensure you have a full understanding of the possible complications, risks and benefits of the operation before undergoing the surgery.

Contact IFN to Obtain Florida Legal Funding While You Await Case Resolution

Some auto accident victims experience excessive or violent force to the body during the crash that can leave them with substantial neck injuries. Injury Funds Now (IFN) can help individuals deal with the financial obligations that will continue to mount post-accident. No one ever plans to get hurt in an accident, and family finances may already be tight before the incident. Still, you or your loved one will need to obtain the medical attention needed to get on the road to recovery.

Even before surgery, IFN can (in some cases) advance funds towards surgical co-pays if your physician or hospital cannot cover everything on the Letter of Protection (LOP) submitted by the attorney handling the case. Your top concern should always be on your wellbeing and recovery, but if resolution to your legal case is delayed, your household could face serious financial issues.

Still, you do have options and help is available from IFN. Once you apply and get approved for funding, we can send payment to you as soon as the same day. We have a no-risk policy and the process for obtaining funds is easy and stress-free. You should also note that if you do not win your case, you owe us nothing. To find out more about how IFN can help you, call the Injury Advance Hotline at 1-866-68-FUNDS (36837) or use the online contact form.