Neck Surgery

Neck surgery is often recommended when structural issues in the cervical spine cause chronic pain, stiffness, or nerve-related symptoms in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands. Persistent symptoms can lead to limited mobility and significantly impact your daily life, making even simple tasks feel impossible.

At CalSpine MD, we specialize in advanced surgical solutions to help restore comfort and mobility when conservative treatments fail to provide relief.

Our spine specialist, Dr. Hieu Ball, is a leader in minimally invasive neck procedures, bringing over 20 years of surgical expertise to the treatment of cervical spine conditions. He focuses on using the least invasive approach possible to relieve pressure on nerves, stabilize the neck, and restore function.

CalSpine MD remains at the forefront of medical advancements, offering cutting-edge treatments tailored to each patient’s specific condition. Our goal is to help you get back to living fully with less pain, less downtime, and fewer complications.

While many cases of neck pain can be managed through conservative treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or injections, certain symptoms may signal a more serious issue within the cervical spine.

Neck surgery is often recommended when structural changes in the cervical spine place pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This compression can cause a range of debilitating symptoms that may progress over time if left untreated.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consider a surgical evaluation.

• Persistent neck pain that does not respond to rest, medications, or physical therapy.
• Radiating pain from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or fingers (often due to a pinched nerve in the spinal column).
• Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands, especially when combined with neck pain or weakness.
• Muscle weakness that makes it difficult to grip, lift, or perform fine motor tasks.
• Balance or coordination issues, including clumsiness or difficulty walking.

Before considering any surgical option, identifying the precise source of your symptoms is essential. Neck pain, weakness, or neurological changes can stem from a variety of spinal conditions, each requiring a different approach to treatment. 

At CalSpine MD, we take an advanced and methodical approach to diagnosis and ensure you get the right care for your condition. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic methods to evaluate your spine and pinpoint the exact source of your neck pain. This process may include:

• Physical Examination: We assess your range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensory responses to identify patterns of nerve involvement and spinal instability.
• Detailed Medical History: A thorough understanding of your symptoms, how long they have been present, and what treatments you have tried gives us critical insight into the nature and progression of your condition.
• Imaging Studies: We use a combination of imaging tests that help visualize the cervical spine.
  • X-rays help evaluate bone alignment, structural abnormalities, and signs of arthritis or degenerative changes.
  • MRI scans provide detailed images of soft tissues, such as discs, nerves, and the spinal cord, revealing issues like disc herniations, spinal stenosis, or inflammation.
  • CT scans offer high-resolution images of bone structures and are especially useful for identifying bone spurs, fractures, or other hard-tissue abnormalities.

We understand that considering neck surgery is a significant decision. Dr. Ball works closely with you to evaluate the risks and benefits of surgery. He always prioritises the use of the least invasive method necessary to address your condition and ensures minimal recovery time.

Surgical interventions are typically considered when:

• Conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate or lasting relief over a significant period.
• Neurological symptoms, such as arm weakness, numbness, or balance issues, have worsened.
• There is evidence of spinal cord compression (myelopathy) or significant nerve root compression (radiculopathy) that could lead to permanent damage if left untreated.
• Spinal instability is present, causing persistent pain or risk of further neurological deficit.

Dr. Ball’s approach to neck care is built around one goal: to deliver long-term relief with minimal disruption to your life. 

Since the cervical spine plays such a critical role in motion, balance, and neurological function, neck surgery requires a thoughtful, patient-first approach. Every surgical decision he makes is intentional and based on a thorough understanding of your condition and how it affects your daily function, mobility, and overall well-being. 

Here is how Dr. Ball puts his patient-first philosophy into practice.

Conservative First

Surgery is never the first option. Dr. Ball ensures that conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, and injections have been fully explored before recommending surgery.

Minimally Invasive Focus

Dr. Ball prioritizes the most effective, least invasive option for your condition. He uses advanced minimally invasive techniques that reduce tissue trauma. This means:

• Smaller incisions
• Less post-op discomfort
• Faster recovery
• Lower complication rates

Personalized Treatment Plans

Your anatomy, health history, lifestyle, existing conditions, and personal goals are carefully considered to create a tailored treatment strategy. 

Transparent Communication

Dr. Ball takes the time to explain your diagnosis, walk you through your treatment options, and help you fully understand the benefits, risks, and recovery process with each procedure.

Advanced Technology & Surgical Precision

Neck surgery involves complex anatomy and a significant functional impact. Dr. Ball leverages advanced technology and years of surgical expertise to ensure optimal results for every patient.

When appropriate, Dr. Ball may use robotic-assisted technology to enhance surgical accuracy. The advanced robotic system provides steady visual guidance and real-time navigation during surgery, allowing for:

• Exceptional precision
• Greater stability
• Reduced risk of deviation from the surgical plan

Dr. Ball’s extensive experience, combined with innovative technology, results in remarkable accuracy, safer procedures, and consistently excellent outcomes.

Dr. Ball offers a wide range of advanced surgical procedures tailored to effectively treat various cervical spine conditions. 

Each of the following procedures is designed to address specific cervical spine conditions.

• Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a highly effective procedure for removing a damaged cervical disc and fusing the vertebrae. This helps stabilize the spine and relieve nerve pressure.
• Cervical disc replacement procedure replaces a damaged disc with an artificial one, preserving motion in the neck. It is an advanced alternative to spinal fusion.
• Cervical endoscopic foraminotomy is a highly minimally invasive technique used to decompress pinched nerve roots by carefully removing bone or soft tissue from the neural foramen through a small incision.
• Microsurgical cervical laminoplasty involves reshaping and repositioning the vertebrae to expand the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It preserves the natural anatomy of the cervical spine.

As with any surgery, neck surgery carries some potential risks. Dr. Ball believes in transparent communication and will discuss all potential risks with you during your pre-operative consultation. 

Risks are generally rare but can include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage (leading to new numbness, weakness, or pain)
• Damage to the esophagus or vocal cords (leading to temporary hoarseness or difficulty swallowing)
• Non-union (the bones do not fuse properly, which may require further surgery)
• Reaction to anesthesia

However, the risks are significantly reduced when the procedure is performed by a highly experienced surgeon using minimally invasive techniques.

Dr. Ball’s extensive surgical experience, meticulous technique, and use of advanced technology significantly reduce the likelihood of complications. He performs every procedure with precision and care, always prioritizing your safety and long-term results.

If you are struggling with persistent neck pain, numbness, or weakness that affects your daily life, our minimally invasive neck surgery options may offer the relief you need.

At CalSpine MD, Dr. Ball uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques to address your cervical condition, restore function, and help you get back to life. Contact us today to discover how we can help with a treatment plan tailored to your condition, goals, and lifestyle.

For a consultation with Dr. Ball, please call us at (925) 838-8830 or request an appointment online.