Do I Need Surgery for a Pinched Nerve?

Overview

If you've been working with your doctor to address a pinched nerve in your neck, you've most likely tried a variety of treatments. And even after making lifestyle changes and taking a lot of medications, if your pain is not getting alleviated, surgery might be the best possible option for you. Here we’ve discussed what it is, how it happens, and what type of surgery you can undergo for the pinched nerve in your neck.

Understanding Pinched Nerve or Cervical Radiculopathy:

Cervical radiculopathy, also known as a pinched nerve in the neck, is a common condition in which irritation of the nerves exiting the spine causes pain to radiate to the shoulders and arms. Although the fundamental source of the disease is in the neck, arm pain is frequently more severe. Pain may be accompanied by additional symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and arm and hand weakness.

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What are the conditions that can cause pinched nerves?

This syndrome is more common in the middle ages, and the most common reasons include:

• Disc issues such as bulging or slipping discs
• Age-related wear and tear on the spine causes narrowing of the outlet gaps from which the nerves exit the spine.
• Instability of the neck and loss of alignment
• Fractures, infections, and tumors are some of the less prevalent causes.

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Symptoms associated with the pinched nerve:

Pain is not always the only indication of nerve compression. You may also have other symptoms in the absence of pain.

Some of the most prevalent signs of compressed nerves are as follows:

• Pain in the compression area, such as the neck or low back,
• Sciatica and radicular pain are examples of radiating pain.
• Tingling or numbness
• A burning feeling
• Weakness, particularly in specific activities,
• The sensation of having a foot or hand "sleep."

When you try certain motions, such as rotating your head or straining your neck, your symptoms may intensify. Early detection is critical to avoid further injury or difficulties. A pinched nerve is a typical workplace injury.

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Available treatment options for pinched nerve:

As suggested by our expert doctors, the following are the preferred treatment options for initial cases, which include a multimodal approach that includes a combination of lifestyle changes, drugs, physical therapy, and injections to get maximum relief.

Only a small number of people require surgical intervention.

Lifestyle adjustments include alterations such as posture and ergonomic corrections, activity modification, and giving up smoking.

Incorrect posture while working on laptops, phones, and other electronic devices can create excessive cervical spine strain, with particular occupations more prone to developing neck pain.

Medications: Depending on the origin of pain and the degree of symptoms, various medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and painkillers that operate on the nerves (neuropathic agents) are utilized.

Sometimes, stronger medicines may also be suggested by your pain specialist.

If exercises and physical therapy fail to ease the continuing pain produced by a pinched nerve in the neck or back, surgery may be considered.

When non-surgical treatments have failed to relieve nerve pressure, surgery is the last option. Examples of spinal nerve compression procedures include:

• Anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF): Surgeons remove disks or bone spurs from the spine that have squeezed nerves, then fuse the spine together. The vertebrae are linked in fusion, finally becoming a single, solid bone.

• Artificial disk replacement (ADR) involves removing the injured disk from the spine and replacing it with an artificial portion, similar to a knee or hip replacement. This allows for greater spine flexibility.

• Laminoforaminotomy of the posterior cervical spine: The lamina is the arching bone on the backside of the spinal canal. The surgeon thins the lamina to have greater access to the injured area and removes any bone spurs or tissues pinching the nerve.

Following these procedures, full recovery of strength and motion may take several months. Most people can return to work within a few days to a few weeks after having surgery.

Depending on the extent of your surgery, you could be out of commission for three to four months. Your surgeon will give you an estimate of how long it will take you to recuperate, but some people may take longer.

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How can we help with the treatment?

If you are in search of pinched nerve treatment in India, we will serve as your guide throughout your treatment and will be physically present with you even before your treatment begins. The following will be provided to you:

• Opinions of expert physicians and surgeons
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated care
• Prior appointment with specialists
• Assistance with hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Arrangements for travel
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

Our team is dedicated to offering the highest quality health trip and comprehensive care to our patients. At Healthtrip, we have a team of highly qualified and devoted health professionals that will be by your side from the beginning of your journey.