Indiana Spine Group
317-428-5040
Contact

Cervical Conditions in Carmel, IN Cervical Disc Herniation

Introduction to Cervical Disc Herniation

When a Damaged Disc Compresses Cervical Nerves

If you are experiencing sharp, burning, or aching pain in the neck or shoulder blades, or pain that travels down your arms to your fingers, you may have a cervical disc herniation. This condition can affect anyone, as it can happen from a sudden spinal injury, aging, and natural wear and tear.

While the severity of the cervical disc herniation varies, it’s critical to treat your pain as soon as possible to avoid worsening the condition. At Indiana Spine Group, Dr. Peter Swiatek performs various treatments to treat individuals with cervical disc herniation in the Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, areas. Read on to learn more about cervical disc herniation and the different treatments we offer.

Dr Peter Swiatek MD smiling while holding spine model in hands, wearing black scrubs - Cervical disc herniation in Carmel, IN

What is Cervical Disc Herniation?

A herniated disc in the neck, also called cervical disc herniation, happens when the soft inner core of a cushion between your neck bones pushes out through a tear in the outer layer. A herniated disc can press on nearby nerves, causing sharp pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands. These symptoms range in severity from mild discomfort to severe nerve root compression or dangerous spinal cord damage. Cervical disc herniation is usually caused by aging, wear and tear, or a sudden spinal injury.

Cervical disc herniation can be treated using a wide variety of approaches, which are determined during a thorough evaluation at your consultation with Dr. Swiatek at Indiana Spine Group.

Cervical Disc Herniation Treatments We Offer

At our Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, Indiana Spine Group locations, we offer a variety of effective, long-lasting treatments to treat cervical disc herniation. During your consultation, Dr. Swiatek will evaluate your discomfort to find the best treatment for your specific condition.

ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) treats a herniated disc by pressing on the nerves of the spinal cord. A small incision is made in the front of the neck, the spine is exposed, and the damaged, herniated disc is carefully removed to prevent it from pinching the nerves. After the disc is removed, a small spacer or bone graft is placed in the empty space. Finally, a metal plate and screws may be used to hold the bones steady while they heal and grow together into one solid bone.

What Are Some of the Signs of Cervical Disc Herniation

Like many conditions, cervical disc herniation can worsen if left undiagnosed or untreated, potentially leading to long-term chronic pain, permanent nerve damage, or spinal cord compression. If you suspect you may have cervical disc herniation, please contact our office in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana.

Common signs of cervical disc herniation include:

  • Sharp, burning, or aching pain in the neck, shoulder blades, or upper chest that gets worse with certain neck movements or positions
  • Pain that travels from the neck down into the arm, hand, or specific fingers
  • Numbness and tingling in the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Muscle weakness, including difficulty lifting items or dropping objects frequently
Woman working on laptop in modern bright office waiting room with white furniture and large windows - in Carmel, IN

How to Begin Your Cervical Disc Herniation Treatment Journey

It is critical to receive an accurate cervical disc herniation diagnosis, so your surgery can be planned according to your specific condition. We will plan your surgery during a private consultation with Dr. Swiatek at our Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, locations.

You can expect the following during your consultation:

  1. Explain your symptoms of discomfort: This will include the severity, where you feel pain, numbness, or tingling, how long you’ve experienced them, and how these symptoms have affected your lifestyle.
  2. Receive an examination: Dr. Swiatek will check your neck range of motion, test your arm and hand strength, check your reflexes, and look for signs of pressure on your spinal cord.
  3. Testing: Get various tests, such as MRI scans, X-rays, or CT scans, to accurately locate the herniated disc
  4. Discuss a treatment plan: Dr. Swiatek will recommend various treatment options, often beginning with physical therapy, steroid injections, or medications before recommending surgical intervention.  

What to Expect During Your Cervical Disc Herniation Surgery

On the day of your cervical disc herniation surgery, you’ll arrive at our hospital in Carmel, IN, or one of our partner hospitals throughout the Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo, Indiana, areas. We will have already discussed a detailed postoperative plan at your preoperative appointment to ensure the day runs smoothly.

You will review your treatment plan with Dr. Swiatek, and you can ask any lingering questions you may have. Here’s what to expect during your surgery:

  • The surgery is performed under general anesthesia for your comfort and safety. You will be unconscious and won’t feel any pain
  • Depending on the technique used, a small incision will be made in the front or back of the neck
  • Dr. Swiatek will remove the disc causing the discomfort to free the compressed nerve
  • The area is either fused with a bone graft/plate or fitted with a prosthetic disc
  • You’ll wake up in a recovery room to adjust to the anesthesia and have your vital signs checked
Dr Peter Swiatek wearing surgical loupes with LED headlight for precision medical procedures - in Carmel, IN

Steps to Consider For Optimal Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Cervical Disc Herniation Care

Recovering from your cervical disc herniation surgery is an essential part of the treatment process. It may involve following postoperative restrictions and making lifestyle adjustments to help you achieve the best results as soon as possible.

Dr. Swiatek will explain what the recovery will look like during your consultation and include clear instructions in your treatment plan, such as:

  • Use prescribed medications as directed to control swelling and discomfort
  • Avoid lifting anything heavier than 15 pounds, typically for a period of 6 weeks
  • Avoid excessive range of motion of the neck
  • Walk frequently around your house to promote blood flow and prevent stiffness
  • Participate in a physical therapy program to improve neck range of motion and address any residual muscle tightness.

How Much Does Cervical Disc Herniation Surgery Cost in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana?

The cost of cervical disc herniation surgery in the Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo areas varies widely depending on factors such as the type of treatment used, the number of disc levels operated on, and insurance.

Our billing department can help you navigate the cost of treatment.

Philosophy

Why Choose Dr. Swiatek?

Dr. Peter Swiatek is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthapedic spine surgeon focused on improving the lives of each one of his patients. His approach is to treat every patient like a family member and

only recommends surgery when it is truly the best option for a patient.

He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in neurobiology and with honors from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, MI, where he earned the Dean’s commendation for excellence in clinical skills.

Dr. Swiatek is affiliated with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the North American Spine Society (NASS), reflecting his dedication to upholding high ethical standards, continuously learning new medical skills, and using proven, science-based treatments for patients.

Teal geometric patterned wallpaper with circular and linear embossed texture in modern minimalist style

Case Studies

He also specializes in repairing failed spine surgeries and revision spine procedures. Dr. Swiatek tailors his treatment plans to the needs of each of his patients, with a focus on non-operative management whenever possible. When surgery is necessary.

View Case Studies

Patient Reviews

Trusted by thousands of patients nationwide

“From my first consultation, I felt listened to and never rushed. The doctor clearly explained my options

Patient Stories
Joyful woman with curly hair in orange jacket reaching toward sky against blue background - in Carmel, IN
Geometric floral pattern wallpaper with blue radiating sunburst medallions on white background

Related Content

Start Your Care Today!

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Contact