For people who do not know where the cervical spine is located, it is best if we know the correct location of cervical spine before discussing minimally invasive cervical spine surgery. Cervical spine actually begins at the base of the skull. It consists of seven vertebrae which usually referred in the medical field as C1 to C7. This supports the head as well as facilitates movements between body and head. If one of the cervical discs is damaged then it can be very painful for individuals to simply nod their head, laugh, read or other activities that involves your neck.
Thanks to the modern medical technology, minimal invasive surgery is now available. Minimally invasive cervical spine surgery is one process that helps treats spinal condition in the neck and upper back. This surgery is done through a small opening that does not damage surrounding tissues at all. A small tube is inserted in the small opening and surrounding tissues are carefully put aside during the process. Through this tube instrument, damage disc material which is causing painful pressure is remove. There are other conditions that might induce you to consider minimally invasive surgery and this includes the following conditions:
Bulging Disc. Some part of an intervertebral disc puts pressure into the spinal canal which results to nerve compression.
Bone Spurs. This condition is also called Osteophytes, abnormal bone growths that can cause the spinal canal to narrow.
Cervical Foraminal Stenosis. This condition involves the thinning of the spinal canal in the neck part of the spine and upper back. When the Foramina thinned the nerves in result can compressed.
Herniated disc. The breakage in the intervertebral disc results to inner disc material to enter into the spinal canal and can press into the nerve tissue causing pain.
Osteoarthritis. This is a condition of the vertebrae where the bone rubs on bone thus causing irritation. This can also cause osteophytes.
Minimally invasive cervical spine surgery can be done but it is highly recommended to try non-invasive and traditional pain relief treatments first and see if it gives you comfort and relief. But if all fails and you decide to go for surgery then make sure that you talk with your surgeon and know all the risk that you are taking as well as the benefits that you get.