Cervical · Illustrative case
Arm pain resolved while keeping the neck mobile
A teaching scenario showing why a single mobile segment can favor disc replacement over fusion.
Written & medically reviewed by
Edvin Telemi, MD
Fellowship-trained neurosurgeon
Illustrative example. This is a teaching scenario, not a specific patient, and is not a promise of results. Individual outcomes vary.
Presentation
A working adult describes weeks of one-sided neck and arm pain with tingling into the thumb and index finger, worse when looking up or turning the head, and eased by resting the arm overhead. Non-operative care (activity change, anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy) helped only partially over six to eight weeks.
The workup
The examination localizes a single nerve root, and MRI shows a matching soft disc herniation at one level with a well-preserved, mobile segment and no significant arthritis. The imaging and the exam agree on the same level, which is what makes a targeted treatment reasonable.
Options considered
Two good operations exist for this pattern: anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, and cervical disc replacement (arthroplasty). Because the segment is young and mobile with isolated soft-disc disease, disc replacement is a candidate. It removes the pressure on the nerve while preserving motion at that level, which may reduce stress on the neighboring discs over time.
The approach
The disc and the fragment pressing on the nerve are removed, and a motion-preserving implant is placed. The decision always depends on the specific anatomy. Arthroplasty is not right for every neck, and the plan is confirmed with the patient before surgery.
Recovery
Most patients go home the same day or the next, with early return to gentle activity and a gradual build-up guided by therapy. This is a teaching scenario, not a promise of results. Every spine is different, and the right operation is the one matched to your anatomy.
Get a second opinion.
Spine surgery is complex, and the right choice is rarely the fastest one. If you've been told you need surgery, bring your imaging and reports for a direct, unhurried read, and which approach fits, before you decide anything. Confidence should come from understanding, not pressure.
Request an appointment.
Send a short request and the office will call you back to schedule. Bring any imaging you already have, from anywhere. If you would rather talk it through first, the phone is often the faster route.
Prefer to call? (586) 803-1220