Anterior Cervical Discectomy in NJ & NY
At The Institute for Comprehensive Spinal Care, we recognize the impact that neck pain can have on your day-to-day activities. Whether it hampers your productivity at work or restricts your ability to engage in physical exercise, neck pain can significantly diminish your overall well-being. Led by board-certified spine surgeon, Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, FAAOS, our specialized services include performing an anterior cervical discectomy, aimed at providing you with respite from the distressing symptoms associated with neck pain.
What is an Anterior Cervical Discectomy?
An anterior cervical discectomy is a surgical procedure that aims to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots in the neck. This pressure is often caused by a herniated disc or bone spurs. The procedure involves making an incision in the front (anterior) of the neck to reach the cervical spine. The surgeon then removes the damaged disc and any additional material that may be compressing the spinal cord or nerves.
After the removal of the damaged disc, the space that is left is often filled with a bone graft or an artificial disc to stabilize the spine. This can sometimes be followed by a fusion procedure where the adjacent vertebrae are joined together to provide additional support. The anterior approach is favored because it allows for a more direct access to the affected disc and results in less disruption of the muscles and surrounding structures in the neck.
High Success Rate
Many studies show over 80% of patients experience significant relief from pain and symptoms
Get Back to Life
Around 90% of patients can return to work within 3 to 6 weeks following an anterior discectomy
Common Causes of Anterior Cervical Discectomy
Cervical Disc Herniation: This is the most common reason for an anterior cervical discectomy. Disc herniation occurs when the outer ring of the spinal disc becomes weak or tears, allowing the disc’s inner part to bulge out. This can put pressure on the nearby nerve root or spinal cord, causing pain and other symptoms.
Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: Over time, the spinal discs in your neck may degenerate or wear out, reducing the disc space height and causing instability. This can lead to nerve or spinal cord compression, causing pain and potentially leading to the need for an anterior cervical discectomy.
Cervical Stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord. It can be caused by various factors, including aging, arthritis, or degenerative disc disease.
Cervical Spondylosis: This is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. Over time, the discs dehydrate and shrink, causing signs of osteoarthritis, including bone spurs.
Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: Over time, the spinal discs in your neck may degenerate or wear out, reducing the disc space height and causing instability. This can lead to nerve or spinal cord compression, causing pain and potentially leading to the need for an anterior cervical discectomy.
Cervical Stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord. It can be caused by various factors, including aging, arthritis, or degenerative disc disease.
Cervical Spondylosis: This is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. Over time, the discs dehydrate and shrink, causing signs of osteoarthritis, including bone spurs.
Are you a Candidate for Anterior Cervical Discectomy?
If you have been experiencing chronic neck pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms, or have difficulty with coordination, you might be a candidate for anterior cervical discectomy. These symptoms could be the result of a herniated disc or bone spurs in the cervical spine compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. Generally, candidates for this procedure have tried conservative treatment options such as physical therapy, medications, or injections without finding sufficient relief.
The procedure is typically recommended for individuals for whom there is clear evidence of spinal cord or nerve root compression, and when the symptoms have a significant impact on the quality of life. Your overall health and medical history will also be taken into account in determining your candidacy for this surgery.
The procedure is typically recommended for individuals for whom there is clear evidence of spinal cord or nerve root compression, and when the symptoms have a significant impact on the quality of life. Your overall health and medical history will also be taken into account in determining your candidacy for this surgery.
Our Approach to Anterior Cervical Discectomy
Cervical spine issues can have a profound effect on your daily life, and we are here to help you reclaim your well-being. Through careful diagnosis and personalized treatment plans, you will receive continuous support and direction to effectively manage your recovery journey.
Together, we will develop a treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs and objectives. Dr. Bo and his team will accompany you throughout the process, aiding you in achieving the health improvements you seek.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy Patient Journey
Explore the steps to a pain free you.
Diagnosis
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bo for a personalized assessment and treatment plan employing the latest diagnostic techniques.
Schedule a Consultation
Before Surgery
You will receive instructions to prepare for the operation that may include:
- Dietary Restrictions
- Medication Adjustments
- Preoperative Physical Therapy
Get Prepped
Day of Surgery
On the day of your surgery, you can expect to undergo pre-operative preparations, followed by the surgical procedure itself.
Intervention
Recovery and Rehab
The recovery process involves initial rest with potential activity restrictions and possible physical therapy to promote healing and restore strength.
Start Healing
Anterior Cervical Discectomy Patient Journey
Explore the steps to a pain free you.
Diagnosis
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bo for a personalized assessment and treatment plan employing the latest diagnostic techniques.
Diagnosis
Schedule a Consultation
Before Surgery
You will receive instructions to prepare for the operation that may include:
- Dietary Restrictions
- Medication Adjustments
- Preoperative Physical Therapy
Before Surgery
Get prepped
Day of Surgery
On the day of your surgery, you can expect to undergo pre-operative preparations, followed by the surgical procedure itself.
Day of Surgery
Intervention
Recovery and Rehab
The recovery process involves initial rest with potential activity restrictions and possible physical therapy to promote healing and restore strength.
Recovery and Rehab
Start Healing
Advanced Diagnostics for Anterior Cervical Discectomy
Effective care begins with an Accurate Diagnosis.
Physical Exams
A physical examination allows Dr. Bo to assess your muscle strength, reflexes, and the severity of your spinal condition.
X-Rays
These provide clear images of the spine, assisting physicians in detecting issues such as spinal degeneration or deformities causing pain.
MRI/CT Scans
These scans offer detailed images of the back, enabling doctors to identify problems such as spinal stenosis and disc degeneration.
The Most Trusted Spine Surgeon in NY & NJ
Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, affectionately known as Dr. Bo, is a top-rated spine surgeon based in the NY/NJ metropolitan area. He leads The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care, providing patient-centered care and demonstrating a commitment to excellence. Besides his clinical work, Dr. Bo is a respected researcher, a recipient of prestigious awards, and an advocate for preventive care and minimally invasive procedures. His patient-centered approach extends to educating patients and involving them in their treatment decisions.
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
Dr. Bo has over 500 5-star reviews.
Our commitment to patient satisfaction and positive outcomes is evident in our past patient testimonials and their improved quality of life.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy FAQs
Answers to Common Questions. Click to Learn More
It is typically recommended for conditions such as cervical disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or cervical spondylosis.
It is a very effective treatment for relieving symptoms associated with nerve compression in the cervical spine. However, individual results may vary, and the success of the procedure depends on various factors.
The duration of an Anterior Cervical Discectomy can vary depending on the complexity fo the condition and the number of discs involved. On average, the procedure takes around 1 to 2 hours.
Your recovery time can vary, but most patients are able to go home within a day or two and resume light activities within a few weeks. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore neck strength and flexibility.
It’s important to follow our post-operative instructions, avoid strenuous activities, and attend follow-up appointments for proper healing and monitoring.
It’s important to follow our post-operative instructions, avoid strenuous activities, and attend follow-up appointments for proper healing and monitoring.
Depending on the specific condition and its severity, alternative treatments may be considered before surgery. These can include conservative approaches like physical therapy, medication, or epidural steroid injections.
At The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care, we will use a combination of your medical history, a physical examination, and diagnostic imaging to determine if an Anterior Cervical Discectomy is the right choice for you.
Insights on Anterior Cervical Discectomy
Explore Our Resources
