Cervical Spine

Spinal Cord Compression and Dysfunction from Cervical Stenosis

cmaynard — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:12:18 -0700

Over time, degenerative changes to the cervical vertebrae, discs and joints may have significant effects on the spinal cord, which runs from the brain through the cervical spine and thoracic spine before branching off to other parts of the body.

Cervical Symptoms from a Herniated Cervical Disc

cmaynard — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:46:29 -0700

A herniated cervical disc occurs when a nerve root is irritated and/or pinched as a result of a cervical disc’s inner core extruding through the outer core and coming in contact with the nerve root. Depending on the location of the cervical disc herniation and which cervical nerve is affected (most often C6, C7; sometimes C5, C8), various cervical symptoms may occur.

Cervical Nerves

cmaynard — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:54:33 -0700

In addition to the seven cervical vertebrae, cervical anatomy features eight cervical nerves (C1-C8) that branch off of the spinal cord and control different types of bodily and sensory activities.

Each cervical nerve is named based on the lower cervical vertebra that it runs between. As an example, the nerve root that runs between the second cervical vertebra and the third cervical vertebra in the neck is described as the C3 nerve.

Cervical Discs

cmaynard — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:29:49 -0700

There are six cervical discs and 23 total discs in the entire spinal column. Each cervical disc rests between the cervical vertebrae, acts as a shock absorber in the cervical spine and allows the neck to handle much stress.

Composed of collagen and ligaments, the cervical discs also hold the cervical vertebrae together and allow for flexibility and different movements of the neck.

Cervical Pain from Degeneration and Injury

cmaynard — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:56:34 -0700

If a cervical vertebra is fractured by trauma, such as in a car accident, a fall, a diving accident that jars the head, or any other significant cervical injury, the spinal cord can be damaged, possibly resulting in not only cervical pain but different types of impaired functioning depending on which cervical vertebra has been injured.

For example, a cervical injury to:

Cervical Vertebrae

cmaynard — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:35:45 -0700

The cervical spine is comprised of seven vertebrae – C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 (often noted as C1-C7) – that begin at the base of the skull and extend down to the thoracic spine. The cervical vertebrae are composed of cylindrical bones (vertebral bodies) that lie in front of the spinal cord, and work with the muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons to provide support, structure and stabilization to the neck.

Cervical Spine Anatomy and Neck Pain

cmaynard — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:44:10 -0700

Neck anatomy is a well-engineered structure of bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments and tendons. The cervical spine (neck) is delicate – housing the spinal cord that sends messages from the brain to control all aspects of the body – while also remarkably flexible, allowing movement in all directions, and strong.

FDA Approves Third Cervical Artificial Disc: the Bryan Cervical Disc from Medtronic

mlepore — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:00:17 -0700

June 4, 2009
by: Spine-health Staff Writer

After long trials of deliberation, Medtronic’s Bryan Cervical Disc became FDA-approved on May 12, 2009. The Bryan Cervical Disc, designed to alleviate [url:149,type=|term|,content=|neck pain|] and related disability caused by degenerative disc disease, had received a favorable FDA recommendation back in July of 2007.

Although approved, conditions have been put in place for the approval of the Bryan for the next ten years. Medtronic will be conducting a post-market study, which will include tracking of patients' neck disability index scores, radiographic information, neurological status and a number of other outcomes in addition to data on adverse events and explanted devices.

What is unique about the Bryan is it is designed to better mimic natural disc shock absorption. It is made of titanium and polyurethane, which is softer than the nuclei of competitive discs, such as the Prestige’s metal on metal design. The polyurethane in the Bryan raised questions on wear debris during the FDA panel, but was determined to not be an issue for short-term use. Long-term use is an area of concern though, and will be under surveillance.

The Bryan (Medtronic), Prestige (Medtronic) and ProDisc-C (Synthes) are the only cervical [url:164,type=|term|,content=|artificial disc replacement|] options for the U.S., although there are expected to be more approvals and launches soon. At this point, Medtronic has not commented on the Bryan’s approval, or on projected launch dates when it will be commercially available.

Posted by: Spine-health Staff Writer

Additional Artificial Disc Replacement sources:

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FDA approves Medtronic’s Bryan Cervical Disc

Cervical Spine Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Conditions treated by cervical spine surgery

Cervical spine surgery is generally performed on an elective basis to treat either:

Nerve/spinal cord impingement (Figures 1, 2, read more

Back Surgery and Neck Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Spine surgery introduction

The primary purpose of back surgery or neck surgery is to correct an anatomical lesion in individuals who fail to show improvement with conservative treatment. For those patients who have pain, but no anatomical lesion can be identified that accounts for their pain, surgery is not an option. Surgery is useful only to change a patient’s anatomy (e.g. remove a disc herniation).

Common Causes of Back Pain and Neck Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

Fortunately, most episodes of back pain will heal with time: approximately 50% of patients will feel relief from low back pain within two weeks, and approximately 90% within three months, regardless of the treatment.

Cervical Selective Nerve Root Block

mlepore — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:04:50 -0700

A cervical selective nerve block is an injection designed to help relieve neck pain, shoulder pain, and/or arm pain caused by a pinched nerve or nerves in the cervical spine.

Spinal Anatomy and its Effects on Types of Spinal Stenosis

Ben Parr — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:34:23 -0700

See the Spinal Stenosis
Interactive Video

Learning about spinal stenosis r

Spondylosis: What It Actually Means

Greg — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:00:42 -0700

Spondylosis refers to a situation where there is degeneration of the spine. It could describe degeneration in the neck (cervical spondylosis) or degeneration in the lower back (lumbar spondylosis). Patients are often confused by the term because, like many other spine terms, doctors tend to use the term spondylosis differently. For example:

Cervical Vertebrae

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:29 -0800

Definition

The cervical vertebrae are the seven cylindrical bones, or vertebral bodies (C1-C7), that provide support and structure for the cervical spine.

The vertebral body is the large portion of the bone that lies anterior (in front of) the spinal cord. The vertebrae get smaller as they near the base of the skull and only the top two segments allow for rotation in the neck.

The top cervical segment, called the atlas, is a ring that does not have a vertebral body.

Cervical spine

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:29 -0800

Definition

The cervical spine, also known as the neck, is comprised of seven vertebral bodies (C1-C7) that make up the upper most part of the spine. These vertebrae connect the spine to the skull.

Related information

Anterior Cervical Decompression and Spine Fusion for Spondylotic Myelopathy

spine-health — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 09:40:19 -0800

Benefits of anterior decompression and spine fusion surgery

In the past, cervical laminectomy (removing the posterior aspects of the spinal canal) to decompress (relieve pressure on) the spinal cord had been the procedure of choice to treat spondylotic myelopathy resulting from cervical arthritis.

Anterior Cervical Decompression and Spine Fusion Procedure

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:10 -0800

The decompression and spine fusion surgery is performed with the patient in the supine position under general anesthesia. Usual requirements include adequate padding of bony and soft tissue structures. Sequential compression boots are applied to the patient's lower extremities to avoid development of blood clots during the operation.

Most spine surgeons prefer to use Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs) or Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) to monitor spinal cord function during the surgery. However, this is not essential.

Posterior Cervical Laminectomy

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Anterior Cervical Corpectomy Spine Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Procedure for anterior cervical corpectomy spine surgery

When the cervical disease encompasses more than just the disc space, the spine surgeon may recommend removal of the vertebral body as well as the disc spaces at either end, to completely decompress the cervical canal. This procedure, a cervical corpectomy, is often done for multi-level cervical stenosis with spinal cord compression caused by bone spur (osteophytes) growth.

Cervical Spinal Instrumentation

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Cervical spinal instrumentation is often used to help provide considerable stability for the spine after surgery.

Common types of instrumentation include:

Anterior cervical plates
Posterior cervical plates
Posterior cervical wiring
Anterior cervical interbody cages
Post-operative cervical braces
read more

Posterior Cervical Decompression (Microdiscectomy) Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Some spine surgeons may prefer the posterior approach (from the back of the neck) for a cervical discectomy. This approach is often considered for large soft disc herniations that are lateral to (to the side of) the spinal cord.

The principal advantage of the posterior approach is that a spine fusion does not need to be done after removing the disc.
read more

Anterior Cervical Spinal Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Understanding cervical spinal fusion

Anterior cervical spinal fusion surgeries are commonly done in conjunction with an anterior cervical discectomy. For many patients, cervical spinal fusion surgery (fusing one vertebra to another) is often done to eliminate motion at a vertebral segment. Decreasing the motion at a painful motion segment should decrease the pain at that segment. Achieving the fusion also serves to maintain adequate space for the decompressed spinal cord and/or nerve roots.

Considerations for a Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:23 -0800

There are a number of factors that are important in considering cervical disc replacement vs. a traditional decompression and fusion surgery. Perhaps the most important consideration is that longer term studies and follow-up will be needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of cervical disc replacement. At present, most of the information on the discs remains theoretical.

Sport Injuries, Back Injuries, and Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:50:16 -0800

Types of sports injuries causing back pain

Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and sports are one approach many people choose to get their exercise. For people with back pain, sports can still be a viable option if they pay attention to their back. For others, knowing the type of strain sports place on the back may help prevent a back injury. This article gives specific information about sports injuries and back pain from bicycling, weight lifting, running, swimming, skiing, golf and tennis.

Normal Spinal Anatomy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:50:16 -0800

Before discussing the confusing aspects of terminology used to describe back problems, it is important to first review the overall terminology used to describe the normal anatomy of the spine.

Lumbar and Cervical Radiculopathy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:50:15 -0800

Radiculopathy – arm pain and leg pain (sciatica)

From top to bottom down the entire length of the spine, at each spinal level nerves exit through holes in the bone of the spine (foramen) on the right side and left side of the spinal column. These nerves are called nerve roots, or radicular nerves. They branch out at each level of the spine and innervate different parts of our body.

Vertebrae in the Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Spine

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:50:15 -0800

Spinal Anatomy and Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:50:15 -0800

Spinal anatomy is a remarkable combination of strong bones, flexible ligaments and tendons, large muscles and highly sensitive nerves. It is designed to be incredibly strong, protecting the highly sensitive nerve roots, yet highly flexible, providing for mobility on many different planes. Most of us take this juxtaposition of strength, structure and flexibility for granted in our everyday lives—until something goes wrong.

Understanding Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:31:46 -0800

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) refers to impaired function of the spinal cord caused by degenerative changes of the discs and facet joints acquired in adult life. This is the most common disorder causing dysfunction of the spinal cord in the United States. Most patients with this condition are over 50 years of age, but the age of onset is variable depending on the degree of congenital spinal canal narrowing.

How Does Whiplash Occur?

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:31:46 -0800

A whiplash accident occurs when one motor vehicle strikes another from behind, causing certain forces to be transmitted from the striking vehicle to the struck vehicle. These forces are then transmitted to the occupant(s) of the struck vehicle, where they have the potential to cause whiplash injury.

Treatment Options for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:31:46 -0800

More Neck Pain Info

Chronic Neck Pain

Types of Neck Pain

Cervical Myelopathy

Spondylosis Information

Back and Neck Surgery

Both conservative (non-surgical) and surgical approaches are available to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Chronic Neck Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:31:46 -0800

Suffering from Chronic Pain?

Watch this Chronic Pain Video for causes, symptoms, and treatments.

There are many conditions that can cause chronic neck pain. The following information describes symptoms of some of the more common causes of chronic neck pain.

Summary of Cervical Herniated Disc Treatment Options

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:26:49 -0800

Conservative Treatment for a Cervical Herniated Disc

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:26:49 -0800

First line of treatment for a cervical herniated disc

Spine Surgery for a Cervical Herniated Disc

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:26:49 -0800

Most episodes of arm pain due to a cervical herniated disc will resolve over a period of weeks to a couple of months. However, if the pain lasts longer than 6 to 12 weeks, or if the pain and disability is severe, spine surgery may be a reasonable option.

Spine surgery for a cervical herniated disc is generally very reliable and can be done with a minimal amount of postoperative pain and morbidity (unwanted aftereffects).

Diagnostic Tests for a Cervical Herniated Disc

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:26:49 -0800

Cervical Herniated Disc Symptoms and Treatment

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:26:47 -0800

Arm pain from a cervical herniated disc is one of the more common cervical spine conditions treated by spine specialists. It usually develops in the 30 - 50 year old age group. Although a cervical herniated disc may originate from some sort of trauma or injury to the cervical spine, the symptoms, including arm pain, commonly start spontaneously.

Cervical Stenosis with Myelopathy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

Cervical Foraminal Stenosis

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

Cervical foraminal stenosis (narrowing of the cervical disc space) may arise without any disc herniation. The majority of symptoms with this type of cervical stenosis are usually caused by one nerve root on one side. Typically, the condition is characterized by the following:

Cervical Osteoarthritis

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:13:34 -0800

Pain from Cervical Osteoarthritis

Just as in the lumbar spine, the facet joints in the cervical spine can degenerate and lead to osteoarthritis of the cervical spine. The pain associated with osteoarthritis tends to: