A pinched nerve is a condition in which spinal nerves are compressed due to bulging intervertebral discs, narrowing of the spinal canal, or shifting of the vertebrae. This condition does not only occur in the lower back but can also affect the neck (cervical spine). A pinched nerve in the neck may cause symptoms such as neck pain radiating to the shoulders and arms, tingling or numbness in the hands, muscle weakness, and limited range of motion that interferes with daily activities.
At Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, cervical pinched nerve treatment can be performed using the Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) method. Through this procedure, pressure on the nerves can be significantly reduced, helping relieve pain, tingling, and movement limitations in the neck, allowing patients to return to daily activities more comfortably.
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Understanding ACDF and the Procedure
ACDF is a surgical procedure performed to treat various cervical spine disorders through the front of the neck or throat area. This procedure aims to relieve pressure on the nerves and/or spinal cord in the neck, thereby reducing pain and neurological symptoms.
In addition, ACDF surgery can also address certain types of inflammation or degenerative changes in the cervical spine joints that may cause significant pain and disrupt daily activities.
Below is the general ACDF procedure commonly performed by doctors to treat cervical pinched nerves:
- On the day of surgery, the patient is given general anesthesia by an anesthesiologist, ensuring the patient is fully asleep and feels no pain during the procedure.
- Once the patient is asleep, the surgeon makes a small incision of approximately 2–5 cm on the front of the neck, usually horizontally on one side. The airway (trachea) and esophagus are gently moved aside to access the cervical spine.
- The surgeon then removes the problematic intervertebral disc and any bone spurs compressing the nerves. In certain cases, part of the front of the cervical vertebra may also be removed if necessary.
- After the disc and bone spurs are removed, spinal fusion is performed by joining two or more cervical vertebrae together. This fusion process occurs gradually over time, similar to the healing of a bone fracture.
- In the space where the disc was removed, the surgeon places a bone graft or a hollow metal cage filled with bone fragments. Typically, the bone used comes from a donor bone bank.
- To maintain spinal stability during the fusion process, metal plates and screws are usually installed at the front of the cervical spine.
- Finally, after all structures are returned to their original position, the incision is closed and the ACDF procedure is completed.
What Are the Benefits of ACDF Surgery?
The primary benefit of ACDF surgery is the relief of pain and nerve-related symptoms that significantly affect quality of life, such as neck pain, pain radiating to the arms, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness. By reducing pressure on the nerves, patients can resume daily activities more comfortably.
Many patients also report a reduced need for pain medication after undergoing ACDF surgery. In some cases, patients no longer require pain medication at all after completing the recovery period.
ACDF at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital: Performed by Expert Neurosurgeons
Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is not only equipped with advanced technology and facilities to manage cervical pinched nerve cases, but is also supported by experienced neurosurgeons who specialize in these procedures, including:
1. dr. Christian Permana, Sp.BS, FTB, FINSS, FICS
Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is supported by an experienced neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive treatment for pinched nerves, dr. Christian Permana, Sp.BS, FTB, FINSS, FICS. He is highly skilled in various modern surgical techniques designed to reduce pain and accelerate patient recovery.
In addition to PLDD (Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression), dr. Christian Permana is also experienced in performing procedures such as PELD (Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy), PSLD, ACDF, and microdiscectomy, tailored to each patient’s medical condition and needs.
Beyond treating pinched nerves, dr. Christian Permana also has expertise in managing spinal tumors and spinal infections, including spinal tuberculosis (TB spine) and spondylodiscitis, using a comprehensive and evidence-based medical approach.
Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital:
- Tuesday: 13.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Thursday: 13.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Friday: 13.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Saturday: 13.00 – 17.00 WIB
2. dr. Christian Ariono, Sp.BS, FICS
dr. Christian Ariono, Sp.BS, FICS is a neurosurgeon well known for his expertise in treating pinched nerve cases. He is experienced in performing arthrospine surgery with minimal incisions of approximately 1.5 cm, which helps minimize tissue damage.
Using these minimally invasive techniques, dr. Christian Ariono has successfully treated many patients with pinched nerves, achieving positive outcomes. This approach helps reduce postoperative pain, accelerate recovery, and enable patients to return to normal activities faster compared to conventional surgical methods.
Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital:
- Monday: 08.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Tuesday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
- Wednesday: 08.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Thursday: 08.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Friday: 08.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Saturday: 08.00 – 16.00 WIB
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