Submitted by: Laser Spine

More often than not, neck surgery is considered a viable treatment option only when all possible conservative, nonsurgical treatments for a degenerative spine condition have been thoroughly exhausted. In most cases, individuals who suffer from chronic neck pain and other similar symptoms will find the relief they require with a carefully targeted regimen of techniques that are designed to improve strength and flexibility in the spine while managing the patient s pain. However, in order to determine the best course of action, it is always advised that the patient enlist the experience and expertise of a medical professional.

The specific neck surgery recommended to an individual will depend on a number of very important factors. For starters, what condition is to blame for the patient s pain? The presence of a herniated disc, for instance, might require that the herniated disc material be removed from the spinal column in order to decompress an irritated nerve root or the spinal cord. Likewise, a number of external factors will have an impact on what kind of approach is best for the individual. While the most common cause of chronic neck pain is deterioration related to the natural aging process, people of all ages and overall health can suffer from long lasting discomfort that requires medical attention. That said, a young athlete in otherwise good health may be a candidate for a different sort of approach that emphasizes strength training and stretching exercises that might not be as viable for an elderly patient who has difficulty getting around.

Regardless of the specific patient, however, it is important to understand that surgery is almost always considered the last resort, barring extenuating, emergency factors. Usually, over the course of several weeks or months, the symptoms stemming from a degenerative spine condition in the neck can be effectively treated with a combination of various treatments. For instance, while specific recommended methods will vary from patient to patient, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heat/cold therapy, low-impact exercises, stretching techniques, and other similar methods often prove effective. Many individuals also turn to epidural injections, or even rely on alternative medicines, such as acupuncture, holistic natural oils, and massage to complement their treatment.

In the event that neck surgery is recommended, it is up to the patient to make sure that they have explored all of their options before consenting to an operation. That s because depending on the patient s condition, there are several different types of procedures with varying degrees of invasiveness that might be able to deliver the results they require. Spinal fusion is the traditional option, wherein a segment of the spinal column is permanently immobilized by replacing the intervertebral disc with a bone graft and installing surgical hardware to stabilize the region. However, many individuals have also benefited from a minimally invasive alternative that takes advantage of state-of-the-art endoscopic technology that offer the same potential for pain relief without being nearly as invasive.

To determine what course of treatment is best for you and whether you need neck surgery, speak with your doctor or a spine specialist today and never be afraid to get a second opinion.

About the Author: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of several spinal conditions as an alternative to open

neck surgery

.

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