ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY (ACD) IN EDISON, NJ

A Brief Summary of the Following Article

• Herniated Discs: Herniated or slipped discs can cause significant pain, potentially requiring an anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) in Edison, NJ if conservative treatments fail.
• ACD Procedure: ACD relieves pressure on spinal nerves by removing the damaged disc via a neck incision, often involving stabilization with metal plates or bone grafts for spine fusion.
• Conditions Treated: ACD treats neck pain, numbness, or weakness caused by herniated discs and degenerative disc diseases in the cervical spine.
• NJ Spine & Orthopedic Expertise: NJ Spine & Orthopedic in Edison, NJ offers skilled spine surgeons and orthopedic specialists for personalized care and recovery from back and neck conditions, ensuring a high standard of treatment.

Herniated or slipped discs are a serious problem that can cause significant pain and discomfort, no matter how they are caused. They are painful and can develop into a more serious problem, which is why choosing to undergo an anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) in Edison, NJ is a great idea if conservative treatments haven’t provided results. 

An ACD may be the best option for fixing your herniated disc, but it is a major surgery. Before you fully commit to the surgery plans, learn what you can about it so that you are well-prepared and can make an informed decision about your health. Our team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic is here to answer any questions you may have about the procedure, along with providing you with state-of-the-art care for all of your needs.

What is Anterior Cervical Discectomy?

Anterior cervical discectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving pressure on nerve roots or the spinal cord. The procedure involves making a small incision in the front of the neck to remove the damaged disc between two vertebrae. This may involve stabilizing the cervical spine with metal plates or a bone graft, known as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). 

Once the damaged disc is removed, the space where it once was is usually filled with a bone graft. This graft is taken from the patient’s own body (usually from the hip), from a donor, or is made of synthetic material. The graft helps to keep the vertebrae spaced properly, and over time, it will fuse with the surrounding vertebrae, forming a solid bone mass.

The goal of this surgery is to alleviate compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulties with coordination. This procedure is often performed when other non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy or medication, have failed to provide relief.

What Conditions Does Anterior Cervical Discectomy Treat?

If you have been experiencing neck pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in your arms, an anterior cervical discectomy in Edison, New Jersey may be the right treatment for you. This surgical procedure is commonly used to treat conditions such as herniated discs and degenerative disc diseases in the cervical spine.

What to Expect From an Anterior Cervical Discectomy

When undergoing anterior cervical discectomy in Edison, you can expect a comprehensive assessment from our orthopedic surgeons who will determine if this surgical procedure is the best treatment option for you. The surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure, and our team at the NJ Spine & Orthopedic provides detailed preoperative and postoperative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process. 

Before surgery, you will undergo diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scans to precisely determine the location and severity of the damage. Your surgeon will explain the procedure and possible risks. You may need to stop taking certain medications and refrain from smoking for a certain period before surgery to avoid complications. 

What to Expect After the Surgery

After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery room for a few hours. Pain is generally manageable with medication, and physical therapy, directed by your surgeon and therapist, will help you regain strength and flexibility in your neck.

Most people can start to return to normal activities approximately four to six weeks after surgery, but full recovery may take longer. In some cases, you can expect recovery to take up to a year to restore full function. Your orthopedic surgeon will give you detailed guidelines to follow for your specific situation. 

Patients are also often required to wear a soft or stiff neck collar. This helps in supporting the neck and promotes healing by preventing unnecessary movements. 

Why Choose Our Team of Orthopedic Surgeons and Specialists?

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic in Edison, NJ, our team is comprised of skilled spine surgeons and orthopedic specialists who are dedicated to providing exceptional care for neck and back conditions. Whether you require disc replacement surgery, fusion surgery, or other spinal procedures, we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care. 

Our team uses evidence-based techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best possible results for our patients. We understand that every patient’s condition is unique, which is why we prioritize a personalized approach to treatment, guiding you through each step of your journey toward recovery.

Take Action With NJ Spine & Orthopedic Today

If you have a herniated disc that only an ACD can fix, don’t wait to start healing. Our team can help make sure that you are qualified for the procedure and answer any other questions you may have.

Our spinal surgeons are more than qualified, and our medical teams provide top-quality care leading up to the surgery and during your recovery. Call us today at (866) 553-0612 or use this contact form to schedule a consultation so that we can get ready to provide you with the support and pain relief that you are looking for.