![]() The fusion surgery as most other cervical spine surgeries is performed from the front (anterior approach) to prevent manipulation of the spinal cord. What are the procedures of a cervical spine fusion surgery? For radiating pain in the arm, a local anesthetic and a cortisone preparation is injected under CT guidance directly to the nerve root to relieve the pain and to stop the inflammation of the nerve root.Ī cervical fusion surgery (stiffening) is recommended only if a) according to the regularly carried out X-ray examinations the instability increases and threatens a deformity of the cervical spine, b) if the complaints do not subside or cannot be controlled despite intensive conservative therapy or c) permanent damages to the spinal cord and nerve roots are present or are to be expected. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications are also injected specifically to the facet joints of the cervical spine. What are the treatment options for cervical spine instability?īasically, the instability of the cervical spine is treated conservatively, commonly with physiotherapy and physical therapy. This allows for determining whether an unnaturally enhanced mobility is present in the affected segment. The latter refer to the images of the cervical spine from the side showing in a forward and reverse tilt position of the head. In a last step, radiographs, so-called "functional images", of the cervical spine from the front and from the side are obtained. The next step is an MRI of the cervical spine performed to assess the width of the spinal canal, the condition of the intervertebral discs and facet joints, and particularly damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots. How is instability of the cervical spine diagnosed?įirst, the spine specialist performs a thorough physical and neuro-orthopedic examination to gain an overview of the extent of pre-existing symptoms. The result is weakness or loss of coordination, unsteady gait and pain, numbness and even paralysis in the arms. If, additionally it has come to a deformity, the nerve roots or even the spinal cord are affected. Dehydration and loss of disc height, lack of joint conclusion of the small vertebral joints with loosening of the joint capsules and the stabilizing ligaments are the mechanisms from which the instability occurs. In most cases, the biomechanical heavily loaded intervertebral disc between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae is affected first. Most often, the instability of the cervical spine is caused by the everyday wear and tear on the spine. What causes instability of the cervical spine? "Instability" means that due to repeated stress and strain the spine cannot maintain its original mobility without causing a breaking down (degenerating) of the nerves, an extensive deformation or severe pain. This type of condition necessitates a stabilization surgery of the cervical spine. Later there may be misaligned, which may lead to a narrowing of the nerve or even the spinal cord. Symptomatic is the instability of the cervical spine by severe neck pain. The most common cause for instability of the cervical spine is the natural aging process. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.The instability of a motion segment of the cervical spine usually develops first in the biomechanical heavily loaded segment between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. Links to other sites are provided for information only – they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. ![]() The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M.
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