Neck surgery can relieve nerve or spinal cord pressure that causes arm pain, numbness, weakness, loss of dexterity, balance problems, or stubborn neck pain that has not improved with conservative care.
At OrthoEdge, fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. Michael X. Rohan, Jr., DO, FAAOS specializes in minimally invasive cervical procedures that aim to reduce tissue disruption, speed recovery, and help you get back to life safely.
Graphic Source: Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc.
Most neck and arm symptoms from a pinched nerve improve with time and non-surgical treatments like activity modification, medications, and physical therapy. Surgery becomes an option if symptoms persist or worsen despite appropriate care, or if there are progressive neurological problems.
You may be a candidate for neck surgery if you have any of the following:
Seek urgent evaluation for red flags like worsening weakness, trouble with coordination or walking, or problems with bowel or bladder control.
Dr. Michael Rohan pioneered minimally invasive cervical spine surgery in Florida, using tiny half‑inch to one‑inch incisions with tubular retractors and endoscopic tools. These methods reduce muscle disruption, blood loss, risk of infection, and recovery time — often allowing patients to resume activities more quickly after surgery than traditional open surgery would permit. As your orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. Rohan will recommend an approach based on your anatomy, the level affected, and your goals.
Traditionally, herniated discs in the neck were treated with an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). In this surgery, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with either a bone spacer or a plastic implant to restore disc height and relieve pressure on the pinched nerves or spinal cord. A metal plate and screws are then secured to the front of the neck to hold the implant in place. The outcome is a fused segment of the spine that no longer moves, and typically results in less neck rotation after surgery. To learn more about the advances in artificial discs and why Dr. Rohan recommends Mobi-C® and PrestigeLP® artificial discs over a fusion, click here.
A minimally invasive microdiscectomy is a procedure used to remove herniated disc material that is pressing on nerves or the spinal cord and is causing pain and weakness that won’t resolve on its own. Because many ruptured discs have the potential to resolve on their own, non-surgically, microdiscectomy is not always necessary. To learn more about microdiscectomy, click here.
This minimally invasive surgical procedure is done through a small incision on the back of the neck (posterior), bone spurs or herniated disc fragments are removed where the nerve exits, often without a fusion. This preserves motion at that level and is well suited for foraminal stenosis that is mainly to one side. Recent randomized trials show outcomes that are as effective as ACDF for certain patients. Click here to learn more.
Please note, this page is for education only. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please speak with your orthopedic specialist about your specific situation.
Your surgeon will review imaging and your plan, discuss the approach with you, anesthesia, collar use, and your return-to-work timeline. Stopping smoking, eating healthy foods, and reducing stress can improve healing.
Most cervical procedures are performed through small incisions using specialized instruments. Many patients walk and eat the same day and go home the same day or after one night.
Expect a gradual ramp-up of activity. Gentle walking starts immediately, then range-of-motion and strengthening exercises are added around 4 to 6 weeks if appropriate. Return to desk work may be possible within days to weeks, with full activities often by about 3 to 4 months depending on the procedure and number of levels. Your care team will individualize restrictions and therapy recommendations.
Call (904) 204-5000 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rohan on the OrthoEdge neck and spine team. He will review your imaging and goals, confirm whether neck surgery is necessary, and map out the least invasive plan that fits you. Dr. Rohan sees patients at our Riverside location in Jacksonville, FL, and also at our Clay County location.
Note: This page is for education only. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please speak with your orthopedic specialist about your specific situation.