A New Way to Treat Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people come to see a spine surgeon. Whether caused by a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression, cervical spine problems can make daily life difficult. Pain, stiffness, numbness in the arms, and even weakness can take a toll on everything from work to sleep to simple activities like driving or looking down at your phone.

In the past, treating these issues often required large incisions, long recovery times, and more disruption to the surrounding tissues. But that is changing. Thanks to minimally invasive surgical techniques, patients today can experience faster recovery, smaller scars, and less pain after surgery, all while getting the same, or better, results.

One of the leaders in this field is my colleague at Altus Medical Group, Dr. Jon Graham, a board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in minimally invasive techniques for the cervical spine. In this blog, I want to share how endoscopy and advanced navigation tools are transforming the way we care for patients with neck and upper spine problems, and how Dr. Graham is helping lead the way.

Why the Cervical Spine Is So Delicate

The cervical spine is made up of the seven vertebrae in your neck. It protects the upper portion of the spinal cord and allows you to turn, tilt, and rotate your head. It also contains the nerves that control your arms and hands.

Because this area is so compact and sensitive, any surgical procedure here requires extreme precision. Even a small mistake can affect nerve function, mobility, or quality of life. That is why the move toward minimally invasive cervical spine surgery is so important. The goal is to correct the problem while minimizing the risks and speeding up the healing process.

What Is Minimally Invasive Cervical Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery, often called MIS, uses small incisions, specialized tools, and imaging guidance to access and treat the spine. Instead of cutting through large amounts of muscle and tissue, we use a targeted approach that causes less trauma to the body.

For the cervical spine, these techniques are especially valuable. We can remove herniated disks, decompress nerves, and even perform fusions or artificial disk replacements through much smaller incisions than in the past.

Dr. Jon Graham has spent years refining his skills in this area. With a background in both traditional and minimally invasive neurosurgery, he is uniquely qualified to decide when less is more, and how to safely perform these procedures in the most efficient way possible.

Endoscopy: Seeing More While Cutting Less

One of the biggest innovations in cervical spine surgery is the use of endoscopic techniques. Endoscopy involves inserting a small camera through a tiny incision to view the spinal structures in high definition. This allows the surgeon to see the exact problem, such as a bulging disk or pinched nerve, without opening up the entire spine.

With endoscopic tools, Dr. Graham can access and treat spinal problems through a tube that is only a few millimeters wide. This means:

• Less bleeding during surgery
  
• Less damage to muscles and tissues
  
• Lower risk of infection
  
• Shorter hospital stays
  
• Faster return to normal activities
  

Patients often go home the same day and begin light activity much sooner than with traditional open surgery.

Navigation and Imaging: A GPS for the Spine

Another game-changing advancement is the use of navigation systems during surgery. Think of it as a GPS for the spine. These systems use real-time imaging and computer guidance to help the surgeon know exactly where to operate.

With tools like intraoperative CT scans and 3D navigation software, we can plan the procedure ahead of time and make adjustments as needed during surgery. This leads to:

• Higher accuracy when placing implants or removing disk material
  
• Safer outcomes
  
• Lower chance of needing a second procedure
  

Dr. Graham uses these technologies regularly in his practice. His attention to detail and ability to combine new tools with proven techniques makes him a trusted expert for complex cervical spine cases.

Working Together for the Best Patient Outcomes

At Altus Medical Group, our philosophy is simple: we treat each patient as an individual and tailor our approach to their unique needs. That means combining the best of neurosurgery and orthopedic care, and using the latest technologies to deliver better results.

When I work with Dr. Graham, I know the patient is in good hands. His expertise in minimally invasive cervical surgery complements my own background in spinal reconstruction and robotic spine surgery. We often collaborate on complex cases, combining our strengths to make sure no detail is overlooked.

Our shared goal is always the same, get patients out of pain and back to the activities they love, with as little disruption as possible.

A Real-Life Example

Let me share a case that highlights how these techniques come together. A patient came to us with a herniated cervical disk that was pressing on a nerve and causing arm weakness and severe pain. He had tried physical therapy, injections, and medications, but nothing worked. He was nervous about surgery because he did not want a long recovery or large scar.

Dr. Graham performed an endoscopic cervical discectomy using navigation to guide the entire procedure. The incision was less than an inch long. The nerve pressure was relieved, and the patient went home the same day.

Within two weeks, his pain was nearly gone, and he was regaining strength in his arm. Within six weeks, he was back to work and exercising. That is the power of minimally invasive care.

Leading the Way in Cervical Spine Innovation

Minimally invasive neurosurgery in the cervical spine is no longer just an option. For many patients, it is the best option. With tools like endoscopy and navigation, we can treat spine problems with greater accuracy and less downtime.

Thanks to experts like Dr. Jon Graham, more people are getting relief from neck pain without the long recoveries and high risks that once came with spinal surgery. His work is helping redefine what is possible in neurosurgery, and I am proud to have him as a partner in patient care.

If you are struggling with neck pain or nerve symptoms, know that you may have more options than you think. Minimally invasive techniques are helping people heal faster, move better, and get their lives back, one precise step at a time.