• Miami, Florida

  • Mon-Fri 8 am- 6pm (EST)

Cervical Spondylosis Surgery: Treatment Cost & Recovery Time

Cervical Spondylosis Surgery: Treatment Cost & Recovery Time

Cervical Spondylosis Surgery: Treatment Cost & Recovery Time

Cervical spondylosis (neck arthritis) is a condition that affects the cervical spine. The symptoms of this degenerative condition include neck pain, weakness, and, in some serious cases, neurological deficits. When the non-surgical or conservative treatments fail to offer effective results for this condition, surgical intervention is an important method for relief.

What is Spondylosis?

The condition, spondylosis, is a term that refers to the age-related degeneration of the spine, including damage to the vertebrae, discs, and joints. This condition is related to the osteoarthritis of the spine that results in pain and reduced mobility. The different types of Spondylosis are:

  • Cervical Spondylosis that affects the neck or cervical spine
  • Thoracic Spondylosis, which can affect the mid-back, is the least common type of spondylosis.
  • Lumbar Spondylosis is a type of degenerative condition that affects the lower back.
  • Multilevel Spondylosis is responsible for affecting multiple areas of the spine.

What are the symptoms of Spondylosis?

Some symptoms can lead to spondylosis and affect the spine’s functioning.

  • Cervical Spondylosis (Neck)
  • Neck stiffness and pain
  • Headaches
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
  • Thoracic Spondylosis (Mid-back)
  • Less flexibility in the spine
  • Lumbar Spondylosis (Lower back)
  • Lower back pain and stiffness
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
  • Severe Cases
  • Difficulty walking or balancing

What are the reasons for Spondylosis?

  • Ageing is a natural reason for the degeneration of spinal structures over time.
  • Discs can lose hydration and elasticity, reducing the cushioning between the vertebrae.
  • Overgrowth of the bone due to arthritis can lead to nerve compression.
  • Ligament thickening in the spine can cause loss of flexibility.
  • An improper posture of the spine and long-term strain from work can be a crucial reason for cervical spondylosis.
  • A trauma or accident can affect spinal health, which can lead to poor spinal health.

What is cervical spondylosis surgery?

A cervical spondylosis surgery offers significant relief from chronic neck pain and neurological symptoms to the patient. With advancements in surgical procedures and modern techniques, recovery times have improved, which helps patients with a quick return to regular activities. The common surgical procedures for cervical spondylosis include laminectomy, laminoplasty, and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Non-Surgical (Conservative) Treatments for cervical spondylosis:

Non-surgical or conservative treatments for cervical spondylosis are considered best for managing the symptoms of this condition, including pain and stiffness. Medication and physical therapy are the best conservative treatments for cervical spondylosis.

Physical therapy for treating cervical spondylosis includes exercises that strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.

Medications include pain relievers and muscle relaxants that help to get rid of the pain caused by cervical spondylosis.

Posture correction can include proper sitting and sleeping positions to improve the cervical spine’s functionality.

Weight management can help reduce the strain on the spine.

Heat and Cold Therapy reduce inflammation and stiffness caused by cervical spondylosis.

Different Surgical Treatment Options for Cervical Spondylosis

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

This is a surgical treatment option for cervical spondylosis in which the damaged disc is removed from the spine to relieve the pressure on the spinal nerves. This procedure includes general anesthesia and requires an incision at the neck.

Cervical Corpectomy

In this surgical procedure, the vertebral body is removed along with the intervertebral disc, which can decompress the spinal cord. This surgical option is generally considered when there is significant compression.

Cervical Disc Replacement (Artificial Disc Replacement)

This procedure is a surgical treatment option in which the degenerated disc is replaced with an artificial one that preserves the motion in the cervical spine and is suitable for patients without instability.

Laminectomy and Laminoplasty

The decompressive surgeries, laminectomy, and laminoplasty involve the removal of the vertebra (lamina) for relief from the pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. The most common surgical procedure among these two is laminectomy, while laminoplasty is performed to preserve spinal stability.

Foraminotomy

This is a minimally invasive procedure in which the openings are enlarged where nerves exit the spine and offer relief from the pressure caused by herniated discs.

What is the treatment cost of cervical spondylosis surgery?

The cost of cervical spondylosis surgery can vary depending on different factors, including the treatment procedure, additional patient care, hospital bills, etc.

Treatment Approach Estimated Average Cost Factors varying the treatment costs
Conservative Care $1,000 – $5,000 frequency and duration of treatments.
Surgical Treatment (ACDF) $30,000 – $70,000 Complexity of the surgery, hospital fees, surgeon’s fees, and anesthesia.
Surgical Treatment (Disc Replacement) $30,000 – $50,000 type of disc replacement and location.
Surgical Treatment (Laminectomy/Laminectomy and Fusion) $30,000 – $70,000 complexity of the surgery, hospital fees, surgeon’s fees, and anesthesia.

What is the recovery time for cervical spondylosis surgery?

The recovery time for cervical spondylosis surgery generally ranges from 3 to 6 months. This recovery period typically takes 3-4 months for the patient to return to normal activities. Some patients also experience a longer recovery period to return to normal activities.

Recovery duration depends on the surgical procedure and the patient’s overall health.

Treatment type Hospital stay Full recovery
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion 1-3 days stay in hospital It may take 4-6 weeks for full recovery
Cervical Corpectomy Longer hospital stays Recovery can be of 8-12 weeks
Cervical disc replacement Hospital stay for 2-4 days Return to normal activities can take 6-8 weeks.
Laminectomy & laminoplasty Hospital stay for 1-2 days Full recovery can take 4-6 weeks
Foraminotomy Shorter hospital stays Full recovery can take 2-4 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cervical Spondylosis Surgery:

Question. What are some lifestyle tips for cervical spondylosis?

Answer. Some lifestyle tips that can be adapted for cervical spondylosis are:

  • Regular exercise focuses on back strengthening
  • You need to avoid slouching and maintain good posture
  • Smoking can degenerate the disc, so quitting smoking is a good option for the treatment of spondylosis.
  • Maintain a balanced and healthy diet for bone health.

Question. What are the risks and considerations for cervical spondylosis surgery?

Answer. Risks and considerations for cervical spondylosis surgery can be:

  1. Injection at the surgical site
  2. Blood clots or bleeding
  3. There can be anesthesia-related complications
  4. Nerve damage can result in weakness and numbness.

Question. What are the surgical options for cervical spondylosis?

Answer. Surgical options are recommended in cases when the nerve compression results in severe pain, weakness, or impaired functioning. Several surgical options are available for cervical spondylosis, including minimally invasive treatments, laminectomy, spinal fusion, and disc replacement.

Question. What are the different factors that can affect recovery times after surgery?

Answer. Many factors can affect the recovery times after the surgery, including the type of surgery performed, bone fusion, the overall health of the patient, and individual healing.

logo