Understanding the recovery process after ACDF surgery, in both the short and long term, can help you set realistic expectations and achieve the best possible outcome.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a common spine surgery used to relieve neck pain caused by a damaged disc in the cervical spine. Learn all about why it’s performed, the recovery process, and more.
Your cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae that support your head and enable neck movement. When multiple levels of these vertebrae experience problems, a two level fusion cervical spine surgery might offer relief. As Columbia-trained specialists at Neurosurgeons of New Jersey, we regularly perform this procedure to help patients regain comfort and function in their daily lives.
The C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae are critical in head movement and rotation. These specialized vertebrae work together to allow you to turn your head from side to side and to look up and down. If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition affecting these bones, it is important to understand how these bones are different from the other bones in your neck, especially if you are considering surgery.
Cervical spine surgery is a common procedure that helps many people find relief from pinched nerves and related conditions. If you’re preparing for or recovering from surgeries like anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), artificial disc replacement, or posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion, understanding post-operative guidelines is key.
Cervical spine issues can significantly impact your quality of life. Common symptoms include pain and reduced mobility. Some patients may also experience neurological symptoms like radiating pain down the arms, and numbness, tingling, or clumsiness in the hands and fingers. When non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, it may be time to consider surgical interventions.
Spinal fusion is a common intervention designed to alleviate chronic back pain and stabilize the spine. By fusing two or more vertebrae together, this surgery aims to reduce pain and restore quality of life for people who are dealing with debilitating spinal conditions.
Undergoing spinal fusion is a major operation that can impact the rest of your life. A successful procedure will provide long-term quality-of-life improvements. However, it’s important to be aware of some notable limitations associated with spinal fusion.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure designed to address serious spine conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. For individuals experiencing neurological symptoms (such as weakness or numbness) and/or neck pain, ACDF offers a reliable solution to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots and stabilize the spine.
Living with chronic back pain can drastically impact your quality of life. While many spinal conditions respond to conservative treatments, some cases require spinal fusion surgery for effective, lasting relief. So, when is spinal fusion necessary and is it worth it to go through this life-changing procedure?