Severe neck pain can significantly impact the quality of life, making everyday activities challenging, uncomfortable, or downright impossible. For those seeking relief, spinal fusion or cervical disc replacement surgeries offer viable solutions.
Dr. Tim Johans, a neurosurgeon based in Boise, specializes in these advanced treatments, providing patients with options tailored to their specific needs. This blog explores how spinal fusion or disc replacement can help alleviate severe arm pain and discusses which option might be the best for treating this debilitating condition.
Dr. Johans is a Diplomat and Fellow of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons, board certified in Pain Management and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. He began his neurosurgical career in 1988 and has been practicing in Boise since 1993. With these credentials, you can trust that Dr. Johans has the specialized knowledge and experience to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
He is a dedicated family man who is heavily involved in his community, is involved in several hospital boards and committees and takes pride in being a faith-driven person. Dr. Johans has had a 3 level neck fusion and can discuss options from his vast personal experience.
We also work closely with other non-surgeons if necessary so that our patients can access all available resources when making decisions regarding their treatment plans. Additionally, our team is always prompt in responding to inquiries and addressing patients' concerns throughout their recovery process. Reviews on Google and Healthgrades show that many individuals who have sought treatment from Dr. Johans have found success in his treatments while feeling comfortable and supported throughout their experiences at our office.
How Can Spinal Fusion Help with Severe Arm Pain?
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure designed to alleviate pain by permanently joining two or more vertebrae using bone marrow and a titanium cage. The first part of the surgery is to relieve your nerve toors from abnormal compression, which helps pain in the arm. The second part is either a fusion or a replacement to provide a stable neck. The fusion process effectively eliminates movement between the fused vertebrae, relevant for conditions characterized by spinal instability, such as advanced arthritis or spinal stenosis, which lead to significant discomfort.
By stabilizing the affected segment of the spine, spinal fusion can significantly reduce pain, thereby improving the patient's ability to perform daily activities comfortably. Dr. Johans often recommends this procedure for patients whose advanced and complicated spinal instability is a primary factor contributing to severe distress.
Dr. Johans will only recommend fusion surgery when it is the last viable treatment option. On average, about 25% of cervical fusions will require a second or third procedure on adjacent vertebrae within 10 years due to the stress it puts on the spine. If possible, Dr. Johans will explore all your options, like cervical disc replacement.
Spine Fusion Alternatives
How Can Disc Replacement Help with Severe Arm Pain?
Cervical disc replacement offers an innovative approach to treating severe arm pain and other nerve symptoms by freeing the nerve root and replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one, maintaining the spine's natural range of motion and flexibility. This procedure is best suited for individuals suffering from severe arm pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling due to nerve compression, disc degeneration, or herniation and particularly those who have not found relief through conservative, non-surgical treatments.
Unlike spinal fusion, disc replacement allows for the preservation of neck mobility, crucial for performing everyday activities and enhancing the overall quality of life. For example, the ability to look both ways before you cross the road comfortably. Patients who undergo disc replacement often experience quicker recovery times and better long-term function of the neck, making it a preferred option for many.
Cervical Disc Replacement
Is Spinal Fusion or Disc Replacement Better for Treating Severe Arm Pain?
Choosing between spinal fusion and disc replacement involves considering various factors, including the patient's specific condition, lifestyle, desired recovery time, and long-term mobility needs and neck pain history. While spinal fusion is effective in stabilizing the spine and alleviating arm pain and some neck pain, it can restrict neck mobility and may result in additional stress on the segments adjacent to the fusion, potentially leading to accelerated degeneration.
In contrast, disc replacement seeks to maintain normal neck movement, reducing the risk of adjacent segment disease-a common complication associated with fusion due to the increased load and stress on the vertebrae surrounding the fused segment.
Ultimately, the decision between undergoing spinal fusion or disc replacement for severe neck pain relief depends on a thorough evaluation of the patient's circumstances. Dr. Johans emphasizes the importance of a personalized approach, considering each patient's unique needs and goals when recommending the most appropriate treatment option. He will only recommend surgery when it's completely vital.
Both procedures offer significant benefits for those suffering from severe arm pain. With Dr. Johans' expertise, patients can make informed decisions to achieve the best possible health and well-being outcomes without pressure to get surgery.
Cervical Disc vs. Fusion: What's Right For Me?
Contact Dr. Johans for Disc Replacement in Boise
If cervical disc replacement is a procedure you're considering, Dr. Johans here to guide you every step of the way. His commitment is to provide personalized care that aligns with your lifestyle and health objectives.
Reach out directly at (208) 327-5621 or initiate your journey to recovery by completing our patient questionnaire. Together, we'll explore the best treatment options tailored just for you.
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