When considering back or neck surgery, the benefits are obvious. A successful surgery can eliminate or greatly diminish your pain. It will increase your flexibility and mobility, allowing you to bounce out of bed and enjoy your day, not just endure it.
But any surgery comes with risks—and at Axis Spine Clinic our neurosurgeon, Dr. Berg, wants patients aware of those risks so they can make informed decisions about their health care.
With that in mind, here’s a quick review of the risks associated with spinal surgery:
The Risks of Cervical Disc Fusion and Cervical Disc Replacement
A Cervical Disc Fusion fuses two or more of your vertebrae to protect the nerves running through those discs. A combination of bone tissue and medical hardware connect and stabilize the vertebrae.
Cervical Disc Replacement removes one or more damaged discs, substituting artificial discs for compromised vertebrae. A new disc acts like the vertebrae it replaced but no longer impinges on your nerves. In some patients, the relief they experience can be nearly instantaneous.
While these are two distinct surgical approaches to dealing with back and neck pain, the risks associated with each are roughly identical.
“They’re essentially the same surgery,” says Dr. Berg. “They just utilize different implants.”
The greatest risks associated with either surgery pertain to structures surrounding the surgical site, reports Dr. Berg. “When performing a surgery on the neck, there are three areas of special concern: the spinal cord, the esophagus, and the carotid artery.”
One way to minimize those concerns is to access the affected spinal area not from the back, but from the front of the patient’s body. This avoids those potential problem spots…mostly.
“We take great care to avoid injuring the spinal cord, esophagus, and carotid artery,” says Dr. Berg, “But they’re in the area and therefore at risk during any kind of surgical procedure. Risk simply can’t be avoided.”
“Were the spinal cord to be injured, the result can be persistent numbness, tingling, pain, perhaps weakness in the arms. There’s a very low risk of injury, but it’s not zero.”
During surgery, the carotid artery is nudged to the side of the cervical site so it’s out of the way. “But the artery does need to be manipulated,” says Dr. Berg, “so there’s a slight risk of injury.”
The esophagus is shifted away from the surgical site as well. “Injury to the esophagus could result in a patient having difficulty swallowing,” says Dr. Berg. “Again, there’s a very low risk of this happening with either surgery.”
Finally, the last set of risks is just from the implant itself. In rare situations, hardware fails or shifts, creating the need for more surgery to address those issues.
“Equipment failure is a very low risk,” says Dr. Berg. “We use titanium and plastic products that are extremely durable—but they can wear out over time. And they may need to be replaced if they weren’t properly inserted, or the patient’s healing process becomes difficult.”
Lower Your Surgical Risks With A Simple Phone Call
Before agreeing to any spinal surgery, be sure your neurosurgeon can help determine which surgery will bring you the greatest benefit and quickest recovery. And be certain your surgeon has plenty of experience under his or her belt.
That’s why you’ll want to call Axis Spine Clinic. Dr. Berg is board-certified and has more than 8 years of experience as a military neurosurgeon. He’s treated a full range of neurological and spine conditions and is committed to offering less aggressive treatment options if they can effectively help you. Often, that’s the case and you can avoid surgery altogether.
But if surgery is required, Dr. Berg and Axis Spine Clinic are ready to help every step of the way, from diagnosis to surgery to rehab and recovery.
Dr. Berg began his education at the United States Air Force Academy, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Next came a medical degree from the Ohio State University College of Medicine, followed by a residency at the University of Buffalo Neurosurgery Department.
During his time in the Air Force, Dr. Berg held several prestigious positions including Neurosurgery Element Leader, Orthopedics/Neurosurgery Flight Commander, and Neurosurgical Consultant to the U.S. Air Force Surgeon General.
Two tours of duty in Afghanistan and extensive hospital experience have exposed Dr. Berg to a wide range of spinal injuries and endless hours of surgical challenges. Whatever your situation, Dr. Berg has likely seen it before—and successfully treated it.
So if you’re dealing with chronic, persistent pain in your neck or back, call Dr. Berg at (614) 683-5537. Together you’ll pinpoint the cause of your pain and you will receive a clear, jargon-free explanation about your options moving forward.
The Right Surgeon Makes All The Difference
Whether you need a Cervical Disc Fusion or a Cervical Disc Replacement, you’re in good hands with Dr. Berg. His training and experience, and Axis Spine Clinic’s laser focus on patient care, guides you and support you need for a successful surgical outcome.
Start your journey back to a pain-free life today. Call Axis Spine Clinic at (614) 683-5537 to schedule a consultation.