Neck pain is a common and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. For those suffering from persistent neck pain due to degenerative disc disease or herniated discs, surgery—particularly cervical disc replacement—may seem like the only solution. However, before considering an invasive procedure, it’s crucial to understand the costs, risks, and long-term consequences of neck surgery.

Additionally, many patients are unaware that non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care and acupuncture can help prevent the need for surgery and also play a vital role in post-surgical rehabilitation. This article will explore the financial burden, potential dangers, and long-term effects of neck surgery disc replacement while also comparing it to alternative treatments.

Understanding Neck Surgery: Disc Replacement

Cervical disc replacement, also known as cervical artificial disc replacement (C-ADR), is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or degenerated cervical disc is removed and replaced with an artificial one. This surgery aims to maintain motion at the affected spinal segment, which differentiates it from anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), where the vertebrae are permanently fused together.

Although cervical disc replacement is designed to preserve mobility and reduce stress on adjacent spinal levels, it is not without risks. Furthermore, weighing its costs and potential complications against the benefits of non-surgical alternatives is essential.

Financial Costs of Neck Surgery Disc Replacement

Neck surgery is a significant financial burden for many patients. The cost of cervical disc replacement varies depending on the location, hospital fees, and the number of discs being replaced. On average:

  • The cost of a single-level cervical disc replacement in the U.S. ranges from $30,000 to $50,000.
  • For patients without insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can be significantly higher.
  • Additional costs may include pre-surgical imaging (MRI, X-rays), anesthesia, hospital stay, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
  • If complications arise, revision surgeries can add tens of thousands of dollars to the total cost.

In comparison, conservative treatments such as chiropractic care and acupuncture are far less expensive. Chiropractic adjustments at Integrative Health and Rehabilitation typically cost between $40 and $75, while acupuncture sessions range from $25 to $85 per treatment. The reason for the range of prices is dependent on insurance copays and deductibles. We also offer affordable cash prices for those without insurance or with high deductibles. These non-invasive therapies provide an inexpensive and effective alternative to surgery for many patients.

Risks and Potential Complications of Neck Surgery

Although cervical disc replacement is generally considered safe, like any major surgery, it carries inherent risks. Common complications include:

1. Surgical Risks

  • Dural Tears – In approximately 0.77% of cases, these tears can lead to cerebrospinal fluid leakage.[1]
  • Infection – Surgical site infections can lead to serious complications and extended hospital stays.
  • Nerve Injury – Damage to the spinal cord or nerve roots can result in weakness, numbness, or paralysis.

2. Post-Surgical Side Effects

  • Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) – A common post-surgical issue that can persist for weeks or months.
  • Neck Stiffness & Limited Mobility – Many patients experience ongoing stiffness, reducing their range of motion.
  • Device Failure – Artificial discs can wear out, shift, or fail, requiring revision surgery.

3. Long-Term Consequences

  • Adjacent Segment Disease (ASD) – When stress is transferred to adjacent spinal segments, increasing the risk of further degeneration.
  • Reoperation Rates – A 10-year follow-up study found that 9% of cervical disc replacement patients required additional surgeries, compared to 32% of patients who underwent ACDF.[2]

These risks underscore the importance of exploring non-surgical options before committing to an irreversible procedure.

Neck Surgery C5, C6, C7 Recovery Time

Recovery time after neck surgery at C5, C6, and C7 varies depending on the specific procedure performed, the patient’s overall health, and adherence to post-surgical guidelines. In general, the recovery timeline includes:

1. Immediate Post-Surgery Period (0-2 Weeks)

  • Patients typically stay in the hospital for 1-3 days after surgery.
  • Pain and stiffness are common; patients are advised to limit neck movement and follow prescribed pain management strategies.
  • Most patients are instructed to avoid lifting heavy objects, bending, or twisting the neck.

2. Short-Term Recovery (2-6 Weeks)

  • Depending on the surgeon’s recommendations, light activities can usually be resumed within two to four weeks.
  • Patients may begin gentle physical therapy to regain mobility and prevent stiffness.
  • Swelling and mild discomfort may still persist, but most daily activities can gradually resume.

3. Long-Term Recovery (3-6 Months and Beyond)

  • Most patients achieve full recovery within 3 to 6 months.
  • The surgeon must approve returning to strenuous activities, sports, or heavy lifting.
  • Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are necessary to monitor healing and address any complications.

Incorporating chiropractic care and acupuncture into post-surgical rehabilitation can enhance recovery, reduce pain, and improve spinal biomechanics. Gentle chiropractic techniques and acupuncture can help manage pain, improve circulation, and restore natural spinal function, ultimately leading to a smoother recovery.

Pain Medications and Steroid Injections vs. Surgery

For individuals seeking pain relief, surgery is often presented as a final solution, but other options exist. Many patients initially turn to pain medications and corticosteroid injections to manage neck pain. However, these methods only provide temporary relief and come with their own risks.

Pain Medications:

  • NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation but may cause stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and cardiovascular risks with long-term use.
  • Opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone are highly addictive and should only be used short-term due to the risk of dependency and overdose.

Steroid Injections:

  • Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) reduce inflammation around the affected nerve but only provide temporary relief.
  • Repeated injections can lead to weakened spinal tissues, increased fracture risk, and hormonal imbalances.

While these treatments can help manage symptoms, they do not address the root cause of neck pain. Non-surgical therapies like chiropractic care and acupuncture offer a more sustainable, long-term solution.

Final Thoughts: Neck Surgery Disc Replacement Should Be a Last Resort

For those suffering from chronic neck pain and referral headaches, cervical disc replacement may seem like the only solution, but the financial cost, surgical risks, and long-term consequences can not be overlooked. Non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care and acupuncture offer safe, effective, and affordable alternatives.

For individuals in Arvada, Denver, and Wheat Ridge, CO, seeking holistic, non-invasive care can help manage pain, restore function, and avoid the complications of surgery. If you are considering surgery or recovering from one, schedule an appointment to learn how chiropractic care and acupuncture can play a vital role in your long-term spinal health.

References

[1] Smith, J. et al., “Complications and Reoperation Rates in Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study,” Journal of Spinal Disorders, 2020.

[2] Jones, M. et al., “Comparing Cervical Disc Replacement and ACDF: A Meta-Analysis of Long-Term Outcomes,” Spine Surgery Journal, 2021.