Relief from Nerve Pain in Your Neck

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a minimally invasive approach that treats neck nerve pain. Surgeons remove damaged spine bones (vertebrae) or discs (soft material between spine bones) that are putting pressure on your nerves and, then, replace the damaged tissue with new bone (graft).  

We often use anterior cervical discectomy and fusion to treat a herniated disc in the neck, spinal cord compression in the neck (cervical myelopathy) or nerve pain that extends to the shoulders or arms (cervical radiculopathy). 

Surgeons perform anterior cervical discectomy and fusion through a small cut on the side of your neck. They remove the damaged bone or disc that’s pressing on a nerve and insert a bone graft. The graft is secured with a thin plate. As the bone heals, it joins with the vertebrae above and below it.  

This minimally invasive approach supports a quicker recovery. Most people spend one or two nights in the hospital and can get back to daily activities right away. Before you leave the hospital, a physical therapist will show you safe neck movements to help you recover successfully. Also, you’ll wear a neck brace or collar for a short time to reduce stress on your neck and improve bone healing.