Disc Herniation | Jonathan R. Stieber, MD

History

Elizabeth endured relentless neck and left arm pain for over a year. Tingling, numbness, and weakness in her left hand gradually robbed her of everyday comforts and her cherished equestrian pursuits. Despite trying medications, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, physical therapy, and a cervical epidural, her symptoms persisted, eroding her quality of life.

Examination

Imaging studies revealed a left-sided C5–6 disc herniation pressing on the exiting C6 nerve root. This compression manifested as a classic C6 radiculopathy—shooting pain, sensory disturbance, and muscle weakness—making even simple tasks painful and leaving Elizabeth unable to ride.

Treatment Strategy

After conservative measures failed, we designed a motion-preserving surgical plan:

Anterior Cervical Discectomy to remove the herniated disc fragment.
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) at C5–6 to restore normal disc height and maintain spinal motion, relieving nerve pressure without resorting to fusion.

Surgical Procedure

Under general anesthesia, a small incision was made in the front of the neck. Microsurgical instruments were used to excise the damaged disc material and decompress the C6 nerve root. A cervical ADR device was then precisely positioned to replicate the natural biomechanics of the disc space, preserving flexibility while ensuring stability.

Outcome

Elizabeth's recovery was remarkably swift. Within days, she noted significant pain relief and improved strength in her arm. Guided physical therapy restored her range of motion and functional capacity. Just four months postoperatively, Elizabeth joyfully returned to horseback riding—pain-free and confident.

“Me crying tears of joy! Thank you!!!!”

Ready to tackle neck or arm pain and get back to the activities you love? Schedule a consultation today and let us design a personalized path to your recovery.

Schedule a Consultation And Get The Pain-Free Lifestyle You Deserve

NYC spine surgery specialist, Dr. Jonathan Stieber, provides his patients with the most effective treatment options available, all of which are tailored to meet your individual needs. With Dr. Stieber guiding your care, it is possible to say goodbye to pain and enjoy an active lifestyle once again.