The best in class NYC spine surgeon, Dr. Sean McCance, is a top rated cervical (neck) herniated disk diagnosis and surgery specialist. Disc herniation is also called disc rupture or slipped disc. Cervical herniated disc surgery is performed by the NYC spine surgeon when your condition does not respond to conservative therapy such as medication, rest, and physical therapy. The most common spine surgery to relieve symptoms of a herniated disc that Dr. McCance performs is called Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). ACDF is most commonly performed to relieve compression of the spinal cord as well as the nerves of the cervical spine (myeloradiculopathy). 

“I could not have asked for a more perfect experience. Dr. McCance and his staff took excellent care of me. Dr. McCance operated on my herniated disc which had greatly affected a nearby nerve. Since surgery, I have not had any pain and that in itself is a miracle! Prior to surgery, the pain was intolerable! I feel so much better and will be forever grateful to him and staff for the superior care that I got”. ~ Vitals

A cervical herniated disc may be caused by wear and tear of the disc due to the normal aging process or an injury to the cervical spine. A history of a stiff neck or sciatica, neck pain, or weakness are typical signs of a herniated disc. A herniated disc is diagnosed with a careful medical history, physical examination, and corroborated with medical imaging of the cervical spine including an MRI scan.

Common Symptoms of Disc Herniation

  • Pain in the neck
  • Tingling and weakness radiating down your shoulder, arm, and hand
  • Pain in the back of the neck
  • Pain in the shoulders
  • Sometimes weakness and numbness of the arm or hand may be present
  • Sometimes gait and balance are affected

Cervical Herniated Disc Surgery

Herniated disc surgery is performed by the NYC spine specialists when unrelenting pain persists, on patients with a diagnosis of an unstable spine, when the condition puts significant pressure on the spinal cord, or when persistent pain does not improve with non-surgical conservative treatments.

There are numerous types of procedures that can be used to remedy this condition and the type of surgery performed will be based on the complexity of the patient’s symptoms and the uniqueness of one’s physiology.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery

The most common spine surgery to relieve symptoms of a herniated disc is called Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). ACDF surgery involves the NYC spine surgeon, Dr. Sean McCance, removing the disc and fusing the two vertebrae above and below it with a bone graft. During this spine surgery, the herniated disc is removed through a small incision. After removing the disc, the disc space itself is fused by placing a bone graft or “cage” into the space. Oftentimes, a plate is added in front of the graft for added stability and a better fusion rate. The spinal cord and nerves are closely tracked during surgery with electrophysiological monitoring to minimize risk.

Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy surgery

In select cases, a posterior approach is used to decompress the nerve without fusion. This can be very successful in certain situations. Here, a certain amount of bone is removed from the area where the nerve exits the spinal cord, thereby relieving nerve pressure.

Disk Replacement Surgery

In certain situations, replacing the disk with a prosthetic material can help to alleviate the symptoms and maintain mobility of that segment. The intent of the disk replacement surgery is to preserve motion at the disc space.

Our best in class, Upper East Side, NYC back & neck pain diagnosis & surgery practice, Spine Associates, is honored to provide you with highly personalized and comprehensive care. Our philosophy of direct management of your case by an expert spine surgeon has made us one of the most trusted and respected spine surgery practices on the Upper East Side in NYC and the world. Feel free to contact the back & neck pain diagnosis and spine surgery specialist today to discuss your anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF surgery) and start yourself on the road to recovery.

Dr. Sean McCance
1155 Park Avenue, Suite E
New York, NY 10128
(212) 360-6500