Chronic Neck Pain: 5 Signs It May Be Time to Consider Surgical Treatment

The occasional neck pain isn’t uncommon. Falling asleep in an odd position, for example, can leave you with a sore muscle for a day or two. You might feel better with a heating pad and some rest. 

In other words, if you’re dealing with neck pain, you’re far from alone. Researchers estimate that by 2050, up to 269 million people could have neck pain.

Not all neck pain subsides quickly though. Chronic pain, defined as pain that lingers for more than three months, can sabotage your quality of life. It can make all aspects of life more difficult from sleeping to getting dressed.

While many cases of chronic neck pain improve with conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication, some conditions may require surgical intervention.

That’s where the Spine Group Beverly Hills in Santa Monica, California, comes into the picture.  Dr. John Regan, an expert who’s published several papers on minimally invasive surgical techniques, knows firsthand how surgery can be a light of hope for those suffering from chronic neck pain. 

Here are five signs that it may be time to consider surgical treatment for chronic neck pain.

1. You’ve already tried conservative treatments without relief

Surgery isn’t always the first line of defense against neck pain. Dr. Regan may recommend physical therapy, rest, hot and cold therapy, medications, stem cell therapy, and injections first.

However, if you’ve tried these non-surgical treatments with little to no relief, surgery may be the next step. Chronic pain that doesn’t improve over several months could indicate an underlying structural issue that requires surgical correction.

2. Your pain and/or numbness radiates to your hands

Pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates from your neck into your shoulders, arms, or hands may signal nerve compression or damage. These symptoms are often associated with conditions like herniated discs or cervical spinal stenosis.

In these cases, Dr. Regan can use surgical techniques to alleviate pressure on the irritated nerves.

3. You have muscle weakness in your arms and hands

Experiencing muscle weakness in your upper extremities is a red flag that your spinal cord or nerve roots might be compressed. Surgical intervention can stabilize your spine and prevent further nerve damage. 

4. Your neck pain makes it hard to complete daily tasks

You might not realize how much you use your neck until every movement is painful. 

If neck pain interferes with routine activities like driving, working, or exercising, it’s a sign that the condition is significantly impacting your quality of life. 

5. Your neck pain is impacting your mental health

Chronic pain and depression are connected in a vicious cycle. Chronic pain can increase your risk of developing both anxiety and depression. On the flip side, depression can make chronic pain feel even more intense. This is true of all types of chronic pain, not just neck pain.

To compound matters, a lack of sleep, a common complaint when you’re dealing with chronic neck pain, can make both pain and depression worse.

If unmanaged neck pain is contributing to feelings of anxiety or depression, don’t brush it off. 

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery for neck pain

When possible, Dr. Regan utilizes minimally invasive surgical techniques. The exact specifics vary depending on which type of procedure you need, but the benefits remain. 

When compared to open surgery, minimally invasive surgery provides the following benefits:

• Less bleeding during surgery
• Less postoperative discomfort
• Reduced risk of postoperative complications
• Smaller incisions
• Faster and easier recovery 

The best benefit though is your reduction in neck pain. When your chronic pain fades away into the past, you get a new lease on life. Managing chronic pain can have big ramifications on your personal life, your social life, and your mental wellness. 

Is surgery right for you?

During your evaluation, Dr. Regan reviews your symptoms, examines your neck, and analyzes your diagnostic images. Surgery is typically considered when non-surgical options have failed and imaging tests (like X-rays and MRIs) confirm a correctable issue. 

Dr. Regan is experienced in performing surgical procedures like cervical spinal fusion, disc replacement, or decompression surgery. The Spine Group Beverly Hills team reviews your pre-operative instructions and the details of your specific surgery. 

After any surgery, you can expect some downtime, and surgery for neck pain is no exception. Your individual recovery plan varies depending on what condition you have, your overall health, and your adherence to your post-operative instructions. Physical therapy, for example, can help regain your strength and improve your range of motion.

If you can’t get a handle on your neck pain, click here to schedule an appointment. You can also reach Dr. Regan at  424-238-3281.