The cervical spine or neck is a vital structure made up of seven vertebrae labeled C1 through C7. The C4-C5 segment in the middle of this region is particularly significant as it bears much of the load from the head while allowing for a wide range of motion. Unfortunately, this area is also prone to various degenerative changes and injuries which can lead to conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. These conditions can result in significant pain, discomfort, and even neurological issues, necessitating medical intervention, including surgery.

One of the most common issues affecting the C4-C5 region is a herniated disc. Herniated discs occur when the disc between two vertebrae bulges or ruptures, exerting pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerves. This condition can cause neck pain, shoulder discomfort, and numbness, tingling or other symptoms that radiate down into the arms. Another common condition is spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal canal and can often develop within the C4-C5 segment. This narrowing can compress the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, balance issues, and reduced mobility in the neck, shoulders, and arms.

Degenerative disc disease is another condition frequently seen in the C4-C5 region. Over time, the wear and tear on the spinal discs can lead to chronic neck pain and stiffness, significantly limiting the range of motion. While conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, and injections can often manage these symptoms, there are instances when surgery becomes necessary. This is particularly true when pain persists despite these treatments or when there are signs of progressive neurological deficits, such as muscle weakness or numbness, indicating significant nerve or spinal cord compression.

When surgery is required, several options are available depending on the specific condition and severity. Here are some of the most common surgical procedures for addressing C4-C5 issues:

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): This surgery involves removing the problematic disc through an incision in the front of the neck and fusing the adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the spine. It is highly effective in relieving pressure on the nerves and spinal cord, reducing pain, and improving function.
• Cervical Disc Replacement: As an alternative to fusion, CDR involves replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one, preserving more natural movement in the neck compared to traditional fusion.
• Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy: This less invasive procedure involves removing bone or tissue compressing the nerve roots through an incision at the back of the neck. It can be beneficial for specific types of nerve compression and often results in quicker recovery.
• Endoscopic Spine Surgery: A minimally invasive approach that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to address the problematic area. This method results in less tissue damage, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.

Recovery from neck surgery in the C4-C5 region varies depending on the specific procedure performed. Surgical fusion patients can generally expect a hospital stay of one to two days, while minimally invasive treatments typically allow you to return home the same day. Physical therapy often plays a crucial role in rehabilitation, helping patients regain strength and mobility in the neck and upper body. While light activities can typically be resumed within a few weeks, complete recovery may take several months, depending on the surgery and the patient's overall health.

If you are suffering from neck pain in the C4-C5 or any other region, the Total Spine team can help. Our physicians have decades of experience treating all kinds of problems in the cervical region and in the spine in general. FIll out the form on this page to get started!