Blog Details

Injuries to the spine can seriously affect other parts of the body. In the worst cases, spinal injuries can result in paralysis or chronic neck pain. An individual's spinal injury will have a different impact depending on several factors, such as the location of the injury. 

The cervical spine is the part of the spine located at the base of the neck. A vertebra consists of seven vertebrae, from C1 to C7. In the lower neck there are three vertebrae: the C6 at the back, the C5 at the bottom, and the C7 at the bottom.

In addition to supporting the neck and head, these regions allow our heads to be flexible as well. Moreover, injury in this area can exacerbate simple tasks.  Despite the fact that no one wants to undergo cervical spine surgery, sometimes it is necessary. The neck pain doctor in Dallas will first attempt to treat you using natural methods. Nevertheless, if they are ineffective, surgery will be required. You will require a different amount of time to recover from cervical spine surgery depending on your condition. At Hillsboro Pain Management, we specialize in providing comprehensive care for patients dealing with neck conditions.

Is Neck Surgery Right for You?

At Corsicana Pain Management, we understand that the decision to undergo neck surgery is not an easy one. If you have ever experienced a crick in neck, you know just how debilitating it can be. Now imagine that crick being a chronic issue, increasing in severity until it begins to affect your daily life. This is what those suffering from cervical spine issues such as c5-c6-c7 herniations and other complications must endure. Those who suffer from a broken neck often require surgery to repair or stabilize the affected area. A decision regarding the need for neck surgery may prove difficult for you. The reason for this is that it depends on a number of factors. You may observe that the discs in your spine are breaking down and grinding against each other.

You may have pinched nerves in your neck. Some of these situations may require neck surgery. Surgery may be necessary, when all other treatment options fail and you have symptoms like:

1- Cervical Radiculopathy

In other words, a herniated disc pinches the nerve root. Consequently, the nerve is irritated by bone spurs.

2- Spinal Stenosis

Which means that the spine spaces are too narrow. This will then compress the spinal nerves, leading to numbness and pain. Depending on the nature of your condition, you will require different neck surgery recovery tips.

3- Degenerative Disc Disease

A pinching of the spinal nerves occurs when the discs press together. You will also experience brittle discs if you are suffering from this condition. As a result, they are unable to prevent the vertebrae from grinding against one another, resulting in significant pain.

Treating the C5-C6-C7 Neck Injury

Conservative or non-surgical treatment is available for most neck injuries. However, if the symptoms do not improve with time or worsen, surgery becomes essential. Other options include orthobiologic treatments, which are less invasive and painful and require a short period of recovery. At Cleburne Pain Management, we specialize in providing comprehensive care for patients with chronic pain conditions, including those who require surgical intervention for their neck pain.

1- Surgical Methods

An operation to repair the C5-C6-C7 region of the neck relieves nerve irritation, improves neck stability, and prevents future injuries. Recurring neck pain or muscle issues that prevent a person from performing their normal activities may require surgery. 

Surgical techniques include:

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

Disc replacements between C5 and C6 relieve pressure on the spinal cord by replacing the intervertebral discs. Therefore, both the C5 and C6 vertebrae are capable of fusing together. 

• Laminoforaminotomy

The procedure involves both laminectomy and foraminotomy, meaning they are performed simultaneously. This relieves compression on the C6 nerve root.

• Posterior Cervical Decompression

The procedure involves the removal of a small section of the herniated disc from the cervical spine. The result is a reduction in nerve compression in the surrounding area.

• Foraminotomy

By removing additional or overgrown bones from the intervertebral foramen, pressure is relieved. 

• Laminectomy

In this procedure, the vertebral arch is removed from the posterior region of the spinal canal in order to widen it. As a result, the spinal cord is relieved of pressure, including the spinal cords at C5, C6, and C7.

Depending on the location, extent, cause, and intensity of the injury, your pain doctor in Dallas will determine the type of surgery. Healthcare providers may even perform multiple surgeries at the same time. 

2- Non-Surgical Methods

Neck injuries are commonly treated non-surgically using the following methods:

• Neck Braces

As a result of an acute injury, the neck is immobilized and protected by a neck brace. By doing so, ligaments, bones, and blood vessels heal faster.

• Chiropractic Methods

A chiropractic adjustment improves neck function, reduces pain, and enhances range of motion in the muscles of the C5-C6-C7 region. Moreover, it ensures that the head and neck are balanced.

• Injections

The doctor may recommend steroid injections for the facet joints in order to relieve the pain caused by herniated discs or whiplash. During the recovery period, these injections provide pain relief for 11 months.

• Medications

It is common for C5-C6-C7 injuries to require a variety of medications, including over-the-counter and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids, opioids, and calcium and vitamin D supplements if the pain persists.

Neck surgery c5-c6-c7 Recovery Time

After spinal surgery, you should expect to experience some pain - your physician may prescribe medications as well as at-home pain management techniques such as ice packs. You will wear a cervical collar after your procedure as a precaution and to support your recovery. 

Since the neck is an integral part of the body, neck surgery c5-c6-c7 recovery time may vary. Recovery depends on your health and lifestyle choices, complications during and after the procedure, and following instructions carefully.