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Halifax Health Offers New Treatment for Neck Pain

Albert Pagliari, a 54-year-old lieutenant in the Volusia County Sheriff’s office, did not know what was causing his neck and shoulder pain — but the discomfort was severe.

“My one relief was holding my arm above my head,” Pagliari said. “I ate pain pills like candy and still could only get about two hours of sleep a night.”

He thought he might have pulled a muscle. But when the pain progressed down his arm and he lost feeling in two fingers, he went to see William Kuhn, MD, who recommended an artificial disk replacement. Dr. Kuhn is the only neurosurgeon at Halifax Health certified to perform this new procedure.

“After surgery, the pain was gone,” Pagliari said. “I didn’t have to go to rehab or wear a brace or really even restrict my activities.”

Signs of Damaged Disks

The cervical disks are the delicate bone cushions in the neck. They can be damaged by trauma or disease, which may cause:

• Pain
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and hands
• Incontinence
• Trouble walking

Before disk replacement, cervical disk disease often was treated with fusion, a process that involves securing the spinal bones to each other for support. Pain may be relieved, but natural motion may be lost. In addition, nearby disks may be placed under greater stress, resulting in additional symptoms or the need for further surgery.

The Artificial Disk Advantage

Artificial disk replacement, on the other hand, can help preserve neck motion and offer patients long-term pain relief, according to Dr. Kuhn.

An artificial disk consists of a two-part stainless steel implant. People younger than 65 who have only one damaged disk are potential candidates.

Following his disk replacement, Pagliari has been pain-free and regaining strength. “If you are a candidate for this procedure,” he said, “go for it.”