The cervical spine is the part of the spine located in the neck. Each level (vertebrae) of the spine is cushioned with a soft gel-like substance called a disc. Running the length of the spine, inside of the vertebrae is the spinal cord, where the nerves communicate with the body. When the discs thin due to age or wear, the vertebra have no cushioning. This condition is called Degenerative Disc Disease. When the discs bulge beyond the edges of the vertebra and into the spinal cord the condition is called Disc Herniation. When the spinal cord is narrowed due to disc herniation, injury, arthritis, or in rare cases, tumours, Spinal Stenosis is diagnosed.
The cervical spine has a natural curve that is very important to its proper function. When the next doesn’t curve correctly or even curves too much, this is called Cervical Lordosis. This can be a result of trauma, congenital deformity, or multi-level disc disease.
A cervical spine MRI is the best tool in diagnosing problems with the cervical spine. A cervical spine radiology (x-ray) is also useful and in some case also CT scan.
Surgery should be a last option. There are many non-invasive treatments that can improve cervical lordosis. Phyical therapy can help with some disc issues and various pain management treatments are effective in dealing with mild to moderate disc herniation. However should symptoms significantly affect quality of life, a surgical option could be considered. Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement removes the affected disc(s) and replaces them with an artificial disc(s). Patients are able to maintain movement in the operated area.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion removes the affected disc(s) and fuses the affected levels using hardware and a small bone graft. An interbody cage will be used. This hardware encourages proper spacing between levels and gives the spinal cord additional space.
Laminectomy is a surgical technique that removes a small section of the vertebrae to reduce compression on the spinal cord. In can be done on its own or in conjunction with ACDF or ADR.
Have you obtained the imaging locally? Please contact us using the form here below and we will provide you with a link for you to upload your imaging to us. Once all scans are correctly completed and uploaded, you may then schedule a Zoom or face-to-face consultation with Dr Gilete to review his findings, ask questions, and discuss further treatment options. Prior to the consultation, you will receive a set of comprehensive questionnaires from which we will gather your personal information, your clinical history, and symptomology. You have the option to request a report from the visit.
Please use the form here below to contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible:
I would like to request an evaluation from Dr Gilete regarding:
