Doctors at Paras Health Panchkula have successfully performed a complex two-level anterior cervical spine surgery on a 62-yr-old woman suffering from severe neck pain caused by cervical disc degeneration and nerve compression. The procedure relieved pressure on the affected nerves, significantly reducing her symptoms and helping her recover from a condition that had begun affecting her daily life.
The patient had been experiencing persistent neck pain along with neurological symptoms that progressively interfered with her routine activities. A detailed clinical evaluation, followed by an MRI scan, revealed advanced degeneration of the cervical discs at the C4-C5 and C5-C6 levels, with the damaged discs compressing the nerves in her neck. After discussing the diagnosis, treatment options, benefits and associated risks with the patient and her family, the neurosurgery team recommended surgery to remove the source of nerve compression and stabilise the cervical spine.
Following comprehensive pre-operative planning, the neurosurgery team performed a two-level anterior cervical decompression and fusion. During the procedure, the damaged discs and bony overgrowth causing the nerve compression were removed through an anterior approach, after which standalone cages filled with bone graft were placed between the vertebrae to restore spinal stability and promote bone fusion.
Dr. Rajeev Goel, Director – Neurosurgery, Paras Health Panchkula, said, “Persistent neck pain should never be dismissed as a normal part of ageing or poor posture. When the nerves or spinal cord become compressed, patients may experience pain radiating to the arms, numbness, weakness, difficulty in walking and even loss of hand function. Left untreated, these symptoms can become permanent. Timely diagnosis and advanced spine surgery can effectively relieve nerve compression, reduce pain and help patients regain their quality of life.”
The patient recovered well after the surgery, experienced significant relief from pain, remained neurologically stable and was discharged in a satisfactory condition with advice on medication, physiotherapy and scheduled follow-up care.
Speaking about the growing need for specialised spine care, Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Facility Director, Paras Health Panchkula, said, “Degenerative disorders of the cervical spine are becoming increasingly common due to ageing, sedentary lifestyles and prolonged screen use. As these conditions can significantly affect mobility, independence and overall quality of life, timely diagnosis and access to specialised spine care are essential to prevent long-term neurological complications. Advances in spine surgery, combined with multidisciplinary expertise, are enabling better clinical outcomes and faster recovery for patients with complex spine disorders.”
Doctors at Paras Health Panchkula advise people not to ignore persistent neck pain, pain radiating to the arms, tingling, numbness, weakness or difficulty in walking, as these symptoms may indicate an underlying cervical spine condition requiring specialist evaluation. Early medical assessment and timely treatment can help prevent permanent nerve damage, improve functional recovery and enable patients to return to their everyday activities with a better quality of life.
