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.
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:
Some symptoms can lead to spondylosis and affect the spine’s functioning.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. |
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. |
Answer. Some lifestyle tips that can be adapted for cervical spondylosis are:
Answer. Risks and considerations for cervical spondylosis surgery can be:
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.
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.