Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in India
About Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
Key Highlights
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Provides significant and long-lasting relief from chronic neck and arm pain.Addresses the root cause of nerve compression, improving neurological function.Modern techniques like artificial disc replacement can preserve natural neck motion.Stabilizes the cervical spine, preventing further degeneration at the treated level.Can dramatically improve quality of life, sleep, and the ability to perform daily activities.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe, persistent neck pain or radiculopathy (arm pain/numbness) unresponsive to conservative treatments (e.g., physical therapy, medications, injections) for 6-12 weeks.
- Progressive neurological deficits, such as muscle weakness, loss of coordination, or loss of fine motor skills in the hands.
- Evidence of spinal cord compression (myelopathy) causing gait instability, balance issues, or bowel/bladder dysfunction.
- Confirmed disc herniation, bone spur (osteophyte), or spinal stenosis on MRI or CT scan correlating with symptoms.
- Significant disc degeneration causing spinal instability or deformity.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough pre-operative evaluation, including medical history, physical exam, and imaging studies (MRI, X-ray).
- Undergo necessary pre-surgical tests like blood work, ECG, and chest X-ray to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Discuss and potentially discontinue certain medications (e.g., blood thinners, NSAIDs) as advised by your surgeon and primary doctor.
- Stop smoking and avoid alcohol for several weeks before surgery to optimize healing.
- Arrange for post-operative support at home and plan for time off work.
- Follow fasting instructions (typically nothing to eat or drink after midnight) before the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, or blood clots (DVT/PE).
- Nerve-related complications: Temporary or permanent nerve injury, leading to worsened pain, numbness, weakness, or paralysis (rare).
- Spinal cord injury, which is rare but can have serious consequences.
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or hoarseness, often temporary, due to retraction during anterior approach surgery.
- Graft or hardware-related issues: Non-union (failure of bones to fuse), graft displacement, or implant failure.
- Adjacent segment disease: Increased stress on discs above or below the fusion site, potentially leading to future problems.
- Persistent pain or the need for additional surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically lasts 1-2 days for monitoring pain, neurological status, and mobilization.
- Neck may be placed in a soft or hard cervical collar for support and to promote fusion; duration varies from a few days to several weeks.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications; activities are initially restricted (no lifting, bending, twisting).
- Gradual return to light activities and walking is encouraged; a structured physical therapy program usually begins 4-6 weeks post-op.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and fusion progress via X-rays.
- A full return to non-strenuous work may take 4-6 weeks, with heavy labor or contact sports restricted for 3-6 months or until cleared by the surgeon.
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Typical hospital stay:
1-2 days
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Expected recovery time:
4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full fusion and activity resumption
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cervical degenerative disc disease in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cervical degenerative disc disease in India include Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Rangapani, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cervical degenerative disc disease. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cervical degenerative disc disease compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 600 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full fusion and activity resumption | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 2.1 Million | 1-2 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full fusion and activity resumption | Know More |
Top hospitals for Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing cervical degenerative disc disease.
Bangalore, India
105 Doctors
Sarah Roy, a 42-year-old graphic designer...
Sarah Roy, a 42-year-old graphic designer and mother of two young children, had always been active. For over two years, she managed a persistent, dull ache in her neck and occasional tingling in her right hand, blaming it on long hours at her desk. Recently, the pain sharpened dramatically, becoming a constant, burning sensation that radiated down her arm to her thumb and index finger. Simple tasks like driving, holding her son's hand, or even turning her head to check a blind spot became excruciating. Her handgrip weakened, and she started dropping coffee mugs. After physical therapy and medications provided only fleeting relief, an MRI confirmed advanced Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease at C5-C6, with a herniated disc compressing a nerve root. Her spine surgeon, Dr. Evans, recommended an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) to remove the damaged disc, relieve pressure on the nerve, and stabilize the segment. Terrified of surgery but desperate to regain her life, Sarah agreed. The procedure went smoothly. The first week of recovery was challenging, with neck stiffness and a sore throat, but the sharp, shooting arm pain was gone immediately. With diligent adherence to her recovery protocol, wearing a collar, gentle walking, and prescribed exercises, she gradually regained strength. By three months, she was back to designing, playing with her kids in the park, and driving without fear. Emotionally, she journeyed from frustration and fear of permanent disability to immense relief and gratitude. She felt she had reclaimed her independence and her role as an active, present mother.
Spine surgeons for Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform cervical degenerative disc disease and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 20 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 7 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 5 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 19 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon