Neck Surgery: Types, Recovery Timeline, and Modern Treatment Options

A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like nucleus inside an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the disc's tough outer layer.² This herniated material can compress nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord itself, causing significant pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness that may radiate into the shoulders, arms, and hands.

Unlike what many people believe, the primary source of pain from a herniated disc is often inflammation within the annular tear rather than direct nerve compression. This inflammatory response can cause severe discomfort even without significant pressure on neural structures.

While similar to a herniated disc, a bulging disc represents a different stage of disc degeneration. With a bulging disc, the outer layer weakens and extends outward but hasn't yet ruptured. Bulging discs typically develop gradually due to aging, poor posture, or repetitive strain. While they may not always cause symptoms initially, they can progress to herniation if left untreated.

Spinal stenosis involves narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots. In the cervical spine, this condition often develops due to age-related changes such as bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or bulging discs. Symptoms may include neck pain, arm pain, numbness, weakness, and in severe cases, difficulty with balance and coordination.

As we age, the intervertebral discs naturally lose hydration and elasticity, leading to degenerative disc disease.³ This process can cause the discs to collapse, reducing the space between vertebrae and potentially leading to nerve compression. The condition often causes chronic neck pain and stiffness that worsens with activity.

The facet joints are small joints located at the back of each vertebra that allow for bending, extending, and twisting movements of the neck.⁴ When these joints become arthritic due to wear and tear, old injuries, or inflammatory conditions, they can cause sharp pain with movement, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. This condition, also known as cervical spondylosis, is increasingly common with age.

This condition occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine is compressed or irritated, often by a herniated disc or a bone spur. Symptoms typically include radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness that follow the path of the affected nerve into the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Cervical myelopathy represents compression of the spinal cord rather than just the nerve roots.⁵ This is a more serious condition that can cause weakness in both arms and legs, loss of fine motor skills, balance problems, and, in severe cases, bladder or bowel dysfunction. Myelopathy often requires prompt surgical intervention to prevent permanent neurological damage.

Acute injuries from car accidents, falls, or sports-related trauma can cause fractures, dislocations, or severe soft tissue damage to the cervical spine. Unstable fractures or injuries that threaten the spinal cord may require immediate surgical stabilization.

Physical therapy remains one of the most effective conservative treatments for neck pain. A skilled physical therapist can design a program that includes:

• Therapeutic exercises to strengthen neck muscles and improve posture
• Manual therapy techniques to improve mobility and reduce pain
• Postural training to reduce strain on the cervical spine
• Education about proper body mechanics during daily activities

Various medications may help manage neck pain and inflammation:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce inflammation and pain
• Muscle relaxants to address muscle spasms
• Neuropathic pain medications for nerve-related pain
• Short-term use of stronger pain medications when necessary

When oral medications prove insufficient, targeted injections may provide relief:

• Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation around compressed nerves
• Facet joint injections to address pain from arthritic facet joints
• Nerve blocks for diagnostic purposes or pain relief

Simple changes to daily habits can significantly impact neck pain:

• Improving ergonomics at work and home
• Regular breaks from prolonged sitting or computer work
• Stress reduction techniques
• Weight management
• Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms

Some patients find relief through complementary approaches such as:

• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Heat and cold therapy

While conservative treatments work well for many patients, they typically address symptoms rather than correcting underlying structural problems. When symptoms persist despite appropriate conservative care, surgery may offer the definitive solution needed for lasting relief.

ACDF has long been considered the gold standard for treating cervical disc herniations and degenerative disc disease. This procedure involves making an incision in the front of the neck to access the cervical spine.

How It Works: The surgeon removes the damaged disc (discectomy) and then fuses the adjacent vertebrae with a bone graft or a synthetic spacer, typically secured with a metal plate and screws. This fusion eliminates motion at that spinal segment, theoretically reducing pain from the damaged disc.

Recovery Time: Patients typically spend 1-2 days in the hospital, though some facilities now perform ACDF as an outpatient procedure. Full fusion of the bones takes 3-6 months, and many patients require pain medication for several weeks. Return to normal activities usually occurs within 6-12 weeks, depending on the nature of one's work and activities.

Benefits:

• Well-established procedure with decades of clinical data
• Good surgical access with clear visualization
• Can address multiple disc levels
• Immediate stability of the affected segment

Risks:

• Permanent loss of motion at the fused segment, which can increase stress on adjacent disc levels
• Adjacent segment disease, where neighboring discs deteriorate more rapidly due to increased stress
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), which can be temporary or persistent
• Voice changes due to recurrent laryngeal nerve irritation
• Pseudarthrosis (failure of the fusion to heal properly)
• Hardware complications, including screw or plate loosening
• Lengthy recovery period with significant postoperative pain
• Potential need for revision surgery if adjacent segments develop problems

Cost: Typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000

PCDF is similar to ACDF but approaches the spine from the back of the neck instead of the front.

How It Works: Through an incision at the back of the neck, the surgeon removes disc material and bone that's compressing nerve roots or the spinal cord. In some cases, fusion is necessary using screws and rods to stabilize the spine. However, when fusion isn't required, this approach can sometimes preserve more motion than anterior procedures.

Recovery Time: Similar to ACDF, with hospital stays of 1-2 days for most patients. Recovery and return to activities follow a similar timeline, though some patients heal faster when fusion isn't required.

Benefits:

• Better access for laterally positioned herniations
• May avoid fusion in some cases
• Familiarity with the approach for many surgeons
• Can address certain problems not easily reached from the front

Risks:

• More postoperative muscle pain due to muscle disruption
• Potential for incomplete disc removal since visualization is more limited
• Risk of nerve or spinal cord injury
• Blood loss
• Infection
• Possible need for fusion, which carries its own risks

Cost: Typically ranges from $30,000 to $100,000

These procedures address spinal stenosis by removing bone to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves.⁶

How It Works: A laminectomy involves the complete removal of the lamina (the back part of the vertebra), while a laminotomy involves partial removal. The surgeon makes an incision in the back of the neck and removes bone, ligaments, or other tissue compressing the spinal cord or nerves.

Recovery Time: Hospital stays typically last 2-4 days. Full recovery can take 2-6 months, with many patients experiencing some degree of permanent stiffness. Most patients rely on narcotic pain medications for weeks after surgery.

Benefits:

• Effectively decompresses the spinal canal
• Can address multiple levels
• May relieve symptoms of myelopathy
• Established technique with predictable results

Risks:

• Significant postoperative pain and reliance on opioid medications
• Removal of bone may lead to spinal instability, potentially requiring fusion
• Kyphotic deformity (forward angulation of the spine) can develop over time
• Scar tissue formation that may cause recurring symptoms
• Blood loss and infection risk
• Spinal fluid leaks
• Worsening of neck pain despite improvement in arm symptoms

Cost: $50,000 to $150,000

This procedure aims to preserve motion at the affected spinal segment while still addressing the painful disc.

How It Works: Similar to ACDF, the surgeon accesses the spine from the front of the neck and removes the damaged disc. However, instead of fusing the vertebrae together, an artificial disc is implanted to maintain motion at that segment.

Recovery Time: Hospital stays are typically 2-3 days, with return to work possible after 6 weeks. Because no fusion is required, some patients recover more quickly than with ACDF, though this varies significantly between individuals.

Benefits:

• Preservation of motion at the affected level
• Theoretically, reduced risk of adjacent segment disease
• Faster return to activities compared to fusion
• No need for bone graft harvesting

Risks:

• Device malposition or dislocation
• Wear and breakdown of the artificial disc over time
• Risk of major vascular injury during surgery, which can be life-threatening
• Heterotopic ossification (abnormal bone growth) can limit your range of motion
• Device failure requiring revision surgery
• Not suitable for patients with severe osteoporosis, infection, or significant deformity
• Long-term durability is still being studied
• Risk of subsequent fusion despite artificial disc placement

Cost: $14,000 to $38,000

One of the most significant advances in neck surgery is the development and refinement of endoscopic approaches. Recent research published in 2024 has demonstrated that cervical endoscopic spine surgery significantly reduces muscular damage and blood loss by minimizing soft tissue stripping, resulting in less postoperative pain and a faster recovery.

These endoscopic techniques have evolved from basic discectomies to include a wide range of procedures, including decompression for stenosis, treatment of myelopathy, and even fusion procedures. Both anterior and posterior endoscopic approaches have emerged as viable alternatives to traditional open surgery.

Key Innovations Include:

• Anterior Transcorporeal Approach: This newer technique allows surgeons to access herniated discs through the vertebral body itself, offering a unique solution for certain complex cases
• Unilateral Laminotomy for Bilateral Decompression: This minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to decompress both sides of the spinal canal through a single small incision
• Endoscopic-Assisted Fusion: Combining endoscopic visualization with fusion techniques to maintain the benefits of both approaches
• Biportal Endoscopy: Using two separate portals for instrumentation and visualization, providing improved maneuverability

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2024 found that patients undergoing anterior endoscopic cervical discectomy experienced significant improvements in pain scores and functional outcomes, with 86% achieving excellent or good results at long-term follow-up.⁷

Modern cervical spine surgery increasingly incorporates augmented reality and advanced imaging navigation systems. These technologies allow surgeons to visualize anatomy in real time during surgery, improving accuracy and safety while reducing radiation exposure for both patients and surgical teams.

Recent studies from 2024 have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of performing certain cervical endoscopic procedures under local anesthesia with conscious sedation rather than general anesthesia. This approach is particularly beneficial for elderly patients or those with significant medical comorbidities, as it eliminates many anesthesia-related risks while still providing excellent outcomes.

Research published in the Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society showed that posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy performed under local anesthesia achieved clinical outcomes comparable to those of procedures performed under general anesthesia, with the added benefits of reduced anesthesia-related complications and faster discharge times.

A comprehensive systematic review published in March 2025 evaluated clinical outcomes and patient perspectives of full-endoscopic cervical surgery. The research, which analyzed studies from 2000 to 2024, concluded that FESS is a safe and effective minimally invasive option associated with substantial pain relief, functional improvement, and high levels of patient satisfaction.

The review found that conditions previously considered unsuitable for endoscopic approaches, such as severe central stenosis and multilevel pathology, are now viable indications for these advanced procedures. Modern endoscopic techniques can now address both radiculopathy (nerve root compression) and myelopathy (spinal cord compression) with excellent results.

Reduced Readmission Rates

Data from 2025 show that endoscopic spine patients have significantly lower 30-day readmission rates than those undergoing traditional open procedures. This finding underscores both the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive endoscopic approaches in modern spine care.

Deuk Laser Disc Repair® is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that removes only the damaged portion of a disc causing pain and neurological symptoms, without the need for fusion, hardware implants, or significant tissue disruption.

The surgery begins with a tiny 4-7 millimeter incision at the front of the neck. Through this small opening, the surgeon inserts a specialized endoscope that provides high-definition visualization of the surgical area. Using advanced laser technology, the surgeon precisely targets and removes only 5-10% of the disc material that's causing symptoms.

The precision laser allows the surgeon to work with extreme accuracy, eliminating problematic tissue while preserving healthy disc material and avoiding damage to surrounding nerves, bones, and soft tissues. Because 90-95% of the disc remains intact, there's no need for artificial disc replacement, bone grafts, metal plates, screws, or spinal fusion.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Deuk Laser Disc Repair® is the rapid recovery it offers:

• Immediate Relief: Most patients experience significant pain relief as soon as they wake from anesthesia
• Day of Surgery: Patients walk out of the recovery room within an hour, typically without significant pain
• First Week: The tiny incision heals within days and can be covered with a simple band-aid
• Return to Work: Most patients return to work within one week, pain-free
• Full Recovery: Complete healing typically occurs within 2-3 weeks with no long-term restrictions

The advantages of this procedure are substantial:

• 95% Success Rate: Clinical data shows a 95% success rate in eliminating disc-related pain with zero surgical complications
• 0% Infection Rate: The minimally invasive approach virtually eliminates infection risk
• No Hardware: Unlike fusion procedures, no metal plates, screws, rods, or artificial discs are needed
• Preserved Motion: Full range of motion is maintained because no fusion occurs
• No Internal Scarring: The laser's precision prevents the formation of scar tissue that can cause recurrent pain
• Outpatient Procedure: No hospital stay is required; patients go home the same day
• No Narcotics Needed: The procedure is so precise that post-operative narcotic pain medication is unnecessary
• Minimal Incision: The 4-7mm incision leaves virtually no visible scar
• No Collateral Damage: Surrounding nerves, bones, ligaments, and muscles remain undisturbed

Deuk Laser Disc Repair® effectively treats multiple cervical spine conditions:

• Herniated cervical discs
• Bulging cervical discs
• Symptomatic cervical disc disease
• Cervical spinal stenosis caused by disc bulging or herniation
• Annular tears with associated inflammation
• Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerves)

Upload your latest MRI to schedule a free virtual consultation and MRI review with Dr. Ara Deukmejian to find out if you are a candidate today.

Deuk Laser Disc Repair® has been published in peer-reviewed medical literature documenting its safety and effectiveness. The procedure represents a fundamentally different approach to spine surgery. One that focuses on precisely removing only the problematic tissue rather than on dramatic reconstruction of spinal anatomy.

How it Works

Watch this short video for an overview of how Deuk Laser Disc Repair® differs from other procedures. 

First, find out if you are a candidate. Once your surgical plan is in place one of our representatives with work with you and your insurance company on pricing. 

The cervical spine contains small facet joints at the top and bottom of each vertebra that allow for bending, extending, and twisting movements. When these joints become arthritic, it may be due to age-related wear and tear, previous injuries, or inflammation. They can cause significant pain and stiffness.

Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® is a patented, minimally invasive procedure that uses plasma energy to permanently eliminate pain from arthritic facet joints while preserving the joint's natural movement. Unlike traditional radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which uses heat and has limitations, Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® employs plasma energy generated at the tip of the specialized Deuk Plasma Wand® to precisely transect (cut) the sensory nerves transmitting pain signals from the facet joints.

Standard radiofrequency ablation attempts to heat nerves to disable them, but this approach has several shortcomings:

• The nerves often grow back, causing pain to return
• Heat can damage surrounding tissues
• Results are typically temporary, lasting only months to a couple of years
• The technique doesn't physically cut the nerves

Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® overcomes these limitations by using plasma energy to physically transect the nerves at multiple precise locations around the facet joint. This technique prevents the nerves from reattaching and transmitting pain signals, providing permanent relief.

Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® is performed as a simple 10-minute outpatient procedure:

1. Patients receive twilight sedation administered by an anesthesiologist
2. A tiny 4-millimeter incision is made near the painful facet joint
3. Using advanced medical image guidance, the surgeon navigates the Deuk Plasma Wand® to pre-selected locations around the facet joint
4. Plasma energy is applied to permanently destroy the sensory nerves at multiple sites
5. Recovery takes approximately 30 minutes before discharge home

The recovery from Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® is remarkably quick:

• Same-Day Discharge: Patients go home within an hour of the procedure
• Minimal Pain: Post-operative discomfort is minimal and typically resolves by the next morning
• No Restrictions: Normal activities can resume the next day
• No Narcotics: The procedure's precision means no opioid pain medication is necessary
• Permanent Relief: On average, 99% of pain is permanently eliminated with just one treatment
• Preserved Motion: The facet joint itself remains intact and continues to move freely

Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® offers significant advantages:

• Permanent Solution: Unlike injections or RFA, results are permanent
• One Treatment: Typically, only one procedure is needed for complete relief
• No Complications: Over 500 procedures performed with zero surgical complications
• Motion Preservation: Unlike fusion, the joint continues to move normally
• Ultra-Minimally Invasive: The 4mm incision requires only a band-aid
• Immediate Recovery: Return to normal life the next day
• No Hardware: No metal, implants, or foreign materials are placed in the body

Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® is ideal for patients with:

• Cervical facet joint arthritis
• Facetogenic neck pain
• Stiffness and limited range of motion from facet arthropathy
• Neck pain that worsens with movement or extension
• Pain radiating into the shoulders or upper back from facet joints

Diagnosis is typically made through the specialized Deuk Spine Exam®, which can precisely identify which facet joints are causing pain. Upload your latest MRI for a free consultation and MRI review.

Many patients with severe facet joint arthritis are told their only option is spinal fusion. Fusion is highly invasive, permanently eliminates neck mobility, requires lengthy recovery, and comes with significant risks and complications. Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® provides a superior alternative—permanent relief from arthritic facet pain without any of fusion's drawbacks.

How it Works

Learn how Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® works to relieve pain.

To learn more about Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® and determine if you're a candidate, request your free virtual consultation and MRI review from Deuk Spine Institute. Get a second opinion on your neck pain and weigh each opinion you have.

When appropriate and performed correctly, neck surgery can offer significant advantages:

• Pain Relief: Elimination or significant reduction of chronic neck and arm pain
• Restored Function: Return to activities that pain had made impossible
• Neurological Recovery: Improvement or resolution of numbness, tingling, and weakness
• Prevention of Progression: Stopping degenerative processes before permanent damage occurs
• Improved Quality of Life: Ability to sleep better, work effectively, and enjoy activities
• Reduced Medication Dependence: Elimination of the need for long-term pain medications
• Enhanced Mental Health: Relief from chronic pain often improves mood, anxiety, and overall mental well-being

All surgical procedures carry inherent risks, though the likelihood and severity vary significantly based on the specific procedure:

• Infection: Risk ranges from near zero with minimally invasive approaches to several percent with open procedures
• Bleeding: Can range from minimal (less than 3ml with Deuk procedures) to requiring transfusion with open surgeries
• Nerve Damage: Risk of injuring the spinal cord, nerve roots, or adjacent nerves varies with procedure type and surgical approach
• Anesthesia Complications: General anesthesia carries risks of adverse reactions, breathing problems, and cardiovascular events
• Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury: Particularly with anterior approaches, it can cause voice changes or swallowing difficulties
• Dural Tear: Cerebrospinal fluid leaks requiring additional treatment
• Hardware Complications: With procedures using implants, risks include screw loosening, plate migration, or device failure
• Adjacent Segment Disease: With fusion procedures, increased stress on neighboring disc levels can accelerate degeneration
• Pseudarthrosis: Failure of bone fusion to occur, requiring revision surgery
• Persistent Symptoms: Surgery may not completely eliminate all symptoms
• Deep Vein Thrombosis: Blood clots can form, particularly with longer procedures and recoveries

It's crucial to understand that these risks vary dramatically depending on the procedure chosen. Minimally invasive techniques like Deuk Laser Disc Repair® and Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® have complication rates near zero, while traditional open procedures carry substantially higher risks.

• High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension must be managed before elective surgery
• Previous Anesthesia Complications: History of adverse reactions to specific medications like Propofol, Fentanyl, or Tramadol
• Blood Thinners: Medications like aspirin, anticoagulants, turmeric, fish oil, and ginkgo biloba may need to be stopped before surgery
• Current Medications and Supplements: Complete disclosure of all substances you're taking
• Sleep Apnea: Use of a CPAP machine or diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea requires special precautions
• Family History: Malignant hyperthermia in family members is a critical concern
• Allergies: Any known drug allergies must be communicated

Different procedures may use different anesthetic approaches:

• General Anesthesia: Complete unconsciousness with breathing tube support
• Twilight Sedation: Light sedation allowing you to breathe on your own (used for Deuk procedures)
• Local Anesthesia with Sedation: Numbing specific areas while keeping the patient comfortable and partially awake
• Regional Anesthesia: Numbing larger body regions

The choice of anesthesia depends on the specific procedure, the patient's health status, and the surgeon's preference. Minimally invasive procedures like those offered at Deuk Spine Institute can often be performed with lighter anesthesia, reducing risks and speeding recovery.

With traditional open spine surgeries like fusion, laminectomy, or artificial disc replacement, pain management typically involves:

• Strong narcotic pain medications for the first several weeks
• Gradual transition to less potent pain relievers
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
• Muscle relaxants for spasm management
• Ice and heat therapy
• Restricted activities to prevent complications
• Physical therapy to restore function gradually

Many patients undergoing traditional procedures experience significant post-operative pain and require opioid medications for extended periods, which carries risks of dependency and side effects.

With advanced minimally invasive procedures like Deuk Laser Disc Repair and Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy, pain management looks dramatically different:

• Little to no narcotic pain medication needed
• Over-the-counter medications, if any discomfort occurs
• Ice packs for minor swelling
• Immediate return to normal activities
• No prolonged use of pain medications
• Minimal restrictions on activity

The key difference is that these procedures cause so little tissue trauma that severe post-operative pain simply doesn't occur. Many patients report that they have less pain immediately after surgery than they did before the procedure.

Regardless of which procedure you undergo:

• Follow your surgeon's instructions precisely
• Take medications as prescribed, not waiting for pain to become severe
• Use non-pharmacological approaches like ice, heat, and relaxation techniques
• Communicate openly with your medical team about pain levels
• Gradually wean off pain medications as healing progresses
• Attend all follow-up appointments

• Spinal Fusion (ACDF/PCDF): $60,000 to $100,000
• Laminectomy/Laminotomy: $50,000 to $150,000
• Artificial Disc Replacement: $14,000 to $38,000
• Deuk Laser Disc Repair®: Request a free MRI review for a quote
• Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy®: Request a free MRI review for a quote

Several variables influence the final cost:

• Hospital vs. Outpatient Surgery Center: Hospital-based surgeries typically cost significantly more
• Length of Stay: Procedures requiring hospitalization add substantial costs
• Complexity: Multi-level surgeries or revision procedures cost more
• Hardware Required: Implants, plates, screws, and artificial discs add to expenses
• Geographic Location: Costs vary by region and local market factors
• Surgeon Experience: Highly specialized surgeons may charge more, but often provide better outcomes

Most insurance plans cover medically necessary neck surgery when conservative treatments have failed. However, coverage details vary:

• Pre-authorization is typically required
• Documentation of failed conservative treatment must be provided
• In-network vs. out-of-network providers affect out-of-pocket costs
• Deductibles, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket maximums apply

A: Recovery time varies dramatically depending on the procedure. Traditional open surgeries like spinal fusion or laminectomy typically require 3-6 months for complete recovery, with patients needing several weeks before returning to work. In contrast, minimally invasive procedures like Deuk Laser Disc Repair® allow most patients to return to work within one week, with complete healing occurring in 2-3 weeks. The key difference lies in the amount of tissue disruption—traditional surgeries damage muscle, bone, and ligaments, while minimally invasive approaches work through tiny incisions without significant trauma to surrounding structures.

A: The safety of neck surgery depends significantly on the specific procedure chosen and the surgeon's expertise. Traditional open procedures carry risks including infection (2-5%), bleeding requiring transfusion, nerve damage, hardware complications, and pseudarthrosis (failure of fusion). These surgeries also involve general anesthesia risks and potential complications from hardware implantation. Advanced minimally invasive procedures like Deuk Laser Disc Repair® and Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® have demonstrated exceptional safety profiles, with zero surgical complications in hundreds of cases and a 0% infection rate. The precision of these approaches virtually eliminates risks associated with traditional surgery while maintaining or exceeding effectiveness.

A: The need for physical therapy depends on the procedure performed. Traditional surgeries like fusion, laminectomy, or artificial disc replacement typically require extensive physical therapy for months after surgery to restore strength, flexibility, and function. This rehabilitation is necessary because these procedures significantly disrupt muscles, ligaments, and normal spinal mechanics. With Deuk Laser Disc Repair® and Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy®, formal physical therapy is usually unnecessary because these procedures preserve normal anatomy and don't require a lengthy healing process. Patients can resume normal activities quickly and naturally regain strength and range of motion without structured therapy.

A: This depends on the procedure and the underlying problem. With traditional fusion surgeries, failure can occur due to pseudarthrosis (non-healing of the fusion), adjacent segment disease (degeneration of nearby disc levels), hardware complications, or persistent nerve compression. Revision surgery is often needed, which carries higher risks and less predictable outcomes than initial surgery. Some patients require multiple revision procedures. Deuk Laser Disc Repair® has a 95% success rate in eliminating disc-related pain, and the procedure preserves normal anatomy, meaning revision is straightforward if needed. The key is ensuring accurate diagnosis before surgery and choosing a procedure that addresses the actual source of pain rather than one that drastically alters spinal mechanics.

1: https://deukspine.com/blog/understanding-your-neck 
2: https://deukspine.com/blog/herniated-disc-comprehensive-guide 
3: https://deukspine.com/blog/degenerative-disc-disease-causes-symptoms-treatments 
4: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7163055/ 
5: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/cervical-myelopathy 
6: https://www.ohsu.edu/spine-center/laminectomy-and-laminotomy 
7: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/7/2122