Ways To Treat Radiculopathy

Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is another surgical option for many individuals who suffer from radiculopathy. It’s another last-resort for pain relief. Doctors will only recommend this surgery if nothing else has worked to help with the pain. When patients go through this surgery, they can expect a long recovery period. They can also expect to have their pain minimized significantly if not removed altogether. This surgery involves a discectomy, which is the process of decompressing both the nerve roots and the spinal cord. If a patient chooses this surgical option, they'll spend anywhere from one to three nights in the hospital. The rest of their recovery is longer, and it takes approximately one to six weeks of gradual lifestyle changes. Doctors might recommend wearing a brace around their neck for as many as eight weeks, which is one of those situations patients must be aware of before undergoing such an invasive surgery. Doctors can provide patients with more detailed information should this come up as a treatment option.