Things to Know About an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

If you’re suffering from neck pain and discomfort, there’s a good chance you can find relief through rest, heat therapy, ice therapy, and/or physical therapy. However, this isn’t always the case. You may come to learn that the underlying issue is more serious than initially believed. 

An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing all or part of a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc. This relieves pressure on the spinal nerve(s) in the neck, which in turn eliminates your pain. 

Benefits of an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, as opposed to a more traditional surgical procedure, include:

  • Smaller incision
  • Reduced risk of infection
  • Reduced risk of tissue damage
  • Shorter recovery period

In other words, there’s a greater chance of making a full and fast recovery in a short period of time. An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion isn’t the right solution for every neck-related problem, but it could be just what you need to eliminate your pain once and for all. 

Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.