Prolonged neck pain accompanied by headaches, shoulder pain, and numbness radiating to the arms is often dismissed as a common complaint caused by fatigue or poor posture. However, in certain cases, these symptoms can indicate a pinched nerve in the neck that requires further medical treatment.
This was the condition experienced by a patient who eventually underwent Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgery with dr. Christian Permana, Sp.BS, FTB, FINSS, FICS at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital to address long-standing nerve compression that had significantly affected quality of life.
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Years of Neck and Head Pain
The patient initially presented with persistent neck stiffness accompanied by shoulder pain and daily headaches. These symptoms had been experienced for years and had begun to interfere with rest, particularly at night. Over time, the pain was no longer limited to the neck and head but also radiated to the arms and fingers, along with numbness.
Various non-medical treatments were attempted, including massage and acupuncture therapy. However, these measures only provided temporary relief and did not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.
To determine the exact cause, the patient underwent an MRI examination. Imaging results revealed nerve compression in the cervical spine, specifically at the C4–C5 and C5–C6 levels. This significant nerve pressure was identified as the main trigger for the chronic neck pain, headaches, and numbness radiating to the arms.
Based on these findings, dr. Christian at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital recommended surgical treatment, as conservative therapies such as medication could only relieve symptoms temporarily and would not resolve the root cause.
ACDF Surgical Procedure
The procedure performed was ACDF, which involves removing the cervical disc that is compressing the nerve and replacing it with an implant. This surgery is carried out through a small incision at the front of the neck, approximately 4–5 cm in length.
In this case, the damaged discs at two cervical levels were completely removed and replaced with implants to maintain cervical spine stability. The primary goal of ACDF is to relieve nerve pressure while preserving neck function and mobility as much as possible.
Postoperative Recovery and Progress
Following surgery, the patient began to experience significant improvement. Numbness in the hands gradually subsided, and the previously frequent pain noticeably decreased. Although still in the recovery phase, the patient’s condition showed clear improvement compared to the preoperative state.
Mild discomfort, such as difficulty swallowing, was reported temporarily. This is a common short-term effect since the procedure is performed through the front of the neck.
This patient’s experience serves as a reminder that persistent neck pain, headaches, and numbness should not be ignored. The body often sends early warning signs before a condition worsens, including the risk of nerve dysfunction that can affect daily activities.
Accurate medical examinations, such as MRI, play an important role in establishing a precise diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be provided. With timely and proper management, including ACDF surgery in selected cases, patients with cervical pinched nerves can regain a better quality of life.
Expertise and Practice Schedule of dr. Christian at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is supported by a specialist experienced in treating various pinched nerve conditions using minimally invasive approaches, dr. Christian Permana, Sp.BS, FTB, FINSS, FICS. His expertise includes managing spinal nerve disorders with modern techniques aimed at accelerating recovery and minimizing postoperative risks.
In addition to Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), dr. Christian is also skilled in performing other minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures, such as Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PELD), Percutaneous Stenoscopic Lumbar Decompression (PSLD), Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD), and Microdiscectomy. These techniques allow treatment to be tailored to each patient’s condition and severity.
Beyond pinched nerve cases, dr. Christian also has expertise in managing spinal tumors and treating spinal infections, including spinal tuberculosis and spondylodiscitis. With his experience and comprehensive skill set, patients can receive thorough care for a wide range of spinal and nerve disorders.
dr. Christian Permana, Sp.BS, FTB, FINSS, FICS is available for consultation and practice at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on the following schedule:
- Tuesday: 13.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Thursday: 13.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Friday: 13.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Saturday: 13.00 – 17.00 WIB
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