Cervical vs Lumbar Spine Surgery – What Patients Must Know

Cervical vs Lumbar Spine – Key Differences

1. Location & Symptoms

Cervical Spine (Neck Region):

• Neck pain
• Radiating pain to arms
• Numbness or tingling in hands
• Weakness in upper limbs

Lumbar Spine (Lower Back Region):

• Lower back pain
• Sciatica (leg pain)
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Numbness or tingling down the legs

Diagnosis & Imaging

Both cervical and lumbar spine conditions require:

• MRI scan
• X-rays
• CT scan (when needed)
• Neurological assessment

Accurate diagnosis ensures the right treatment choice for each patient.

🩺 Surgical Indications – When Is Surgery Needed?

Cervical Surgery Is Recommended For:

• Persistent neck or arm pain
• Cervical disc herniation
• Nerve root or spinal cord compression
• Cervical myelopathy (serious neurological condition)

Lumbar Surgery Is Recommended For:

• Herniated discs causing leg pain
• Lumbar canal stenosis
• Nerve compression leading to weakness
• Severe sciatica not responding to therapy

Types of Cervical vs Lumbar Spine Surgeries

Cervical Procedures:

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)
• Cervical Disc Replacement (Artificial Disc)
• Posterior cervical decompression

Lumbar Procedures:

• Microdiscectomy
• Endoscopic discectomy
• Lumbar decompression
• Lumbar fusion

🤖 Minimally Invasive & Robotic-Assisted Techniques

Both cervical and lumbar surgeries benefit from:

• Smaller incisions
• Less muscle disruption
• Reduced blood loss
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery
• Minimal scarring

Robotic navigation enhances precision, especially for screw placement and deformity correction.

Recovery Differences

Cervical Surgery Recovery:

• Faster return to desk work
• Neck collar may be advised
• Nerve symptoms improve gradually

Lumbar Surgery Recovery:

• Walking usually within 24–48 hours
• Physiotherapy essential
• Most patients resume normal activity in a few weeks

⭐ Why Choose Dr. Vishal Kundnani?

• Specialist in cervical & lumbar spine surgeries
• Expertise in minimally invasive, endoscopic & robotic-assisted procedures
• Personalized treatment plans for each patient
• World-class care at Lilavati, Bombay, Breach Candy & Saifee Hospitals
• Clinics in South Mumbai, Bandra, Goregaon, Borivali
• Director & Head of Spine Services at Lilavati & Bombay Hospitals

📞 Call 9619100123 – Consult Dr. Vishal Kundnani, top spine surgeon in Mumbai & India.

FAQ – Cervical vs Lumbar Spine Surgery

1. What is the difference between cervical and lumbar spine surgery?
   Cervical surgery treats neck-related conditions, while lumbar surgery focuses on lower back and leg pain.
2. Which surgery has faster recovery?
   Recovery depends on the procedure, but minimally invasive cervical surgeries often have quicker recovery times.
3. Can both cervical and lumbar problems be treated without surgery?
   Yes. Physiotherapy, medications, and injections help many patients recover without surgery.
4. When is surgery necessary?
   When symptoms persist, when weakness develops, or when imaging shows severe nerve compression.
5. Are minimally invasive techniques available for both regions?
   Yes. MISS and endoscopic approaches are effective for both cervical and lumbar conditions.
6. How does robotic-assisted surgery help?
   Robotics improves precision, reduces complications, and enhances long-term outcomes.
7. Where does Dr. Kundnani perform these surgeries?
   At Lilavati, Bombay, Breach Candy & Saifee Hospitals.
8. How do I book a consultation?
   📞 Call 9619100123 for a detailed evaluation.