Deciding whether or not to have neck surgery can be a challenge. We want people to be well informed of the risks and alternatives before they take such a life-altering step. It is important to remember that the neck is one of the body’s most fragile parts and is very rich in nerves. This makes surgery a high-risk procedure. It can lead to complications down the road that may require more surgery or may even cause a person to have a decrease in quality of life. The following are a few areas where things can go wrong:
- Nerve damage: Doctors do not know who will and who will not suffer from this. It can cause additional pain after surgery or a constant feeling of numbness and tingling. It may even require a second surgery to try to repair it.
- Paralysis: Cervical spinal fusion is the surgery with the highest risk for paralysis. This is due to the proximity of the surgery to the spinal cord. It can result in pain, loss of feeling, weakness, and paralysis of the arms and legs.
- Infection: This is the number one risk with any surgery. The body can be exposed to bacteria that it is unable to fight off. If it is not treated immediately, it can lead to worsening complications. Some signs to look for are problems walking or talking and weakness.
Avoid the Risks of Neck Surgery
The best way to avoid the above risks are to opt out of neck surgery. The question then becomes what to do for the pain a person is experiencing. There is a strong possibility that another area of care may bring just as much, if not more relief than surgery. It is natural and non-invasive. This is the field of upper cervical chiropractic care.
By realigning the bones of the neck through a gentle, effective technique, many have seen positive results in coping with neck pain. It is a much safer, pain-free alternative that may be just what a person has been looking for.
To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, just click the button below:
Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our patient success stories.
Dr. Armen Manoucherian of Health Edge Family Spinal Care in Glendale, California is a Glendale Chiropractor and Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). He has helped many children and adults find natural relief in Glendale, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Pasadena, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Burbank. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems. More information can be found on his website at http://www.healthedgela.com