Many cervical problems are due to degenerative changes that occur in the discs and joints of the neck. These changes commonly take place as a natural part of aging and from the affects of daily wear and tear on the parts of the spine. Degenerative changes in the neck sometimes lead to a serious condition where pressure is put on the spinal cord.

The cervical spine is made up of the first seven vertebrae in the spine. It starts just below the skull and ends just above the thoracic spine. The cervical spine has a lordotic curve, a backward “C”-shape-just like the lumbar spine. The cervical spine is much more mobile than both of the other spinal regions. Think about all the directions and angles you can turn your neck.

An anterior cervical fusion is performed through an incision in the front of the neck. An anterior cervical fusion is used