Cervical Disc Degeneration

The interverbal disc lies between each bones of the neck (vertebrae). the cervical disc serves as a cushion between the vertebrae allowing movement of the neck (neck flexion, extension, and turning side to side).

Each disc is a cylindrical soft pad composed of an outer annulus and inner gel (nucleus)

As aging of the cervical spine occurs, there is a loss of water content and the cervical disc becomes prone to tearing and herniation. Bone spurs can develop and stiffness and neck pain result. Commonly headaches, shoulder pain and neurologic symptoms (arm pain) being to appear. Most patients can manage their neck pain with a combination of adjusting activities which can aggravate the neck such as avoiding overhead lifting, pushing and pulling and avoid certain neck positions. Conservative treatment with exercise, physical therapy, neck traction, chiropractic, spinal injections can reduce or eliminate symptoms.

Surgical treatment may be necessary if neck pain, arm or hand symptoms remain despite conservative care.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or artificial total disc replacement (ADR) is the gold stand of cervical surgery. Ninety percent of patients can resume normal function because of surgery with elimination of neck and arm pain, headaches, after surgery.

Patient Testimonials

"Dr. Kropf is literally a miracle worker. I have suffered with horrible pain for years from herniation at L4/5 & L5/S1. Had a prior micro-surgery from another surgeon which did not work. Dr. Kropf performed a double fusion through the stomach and back. Had my 7 month follow up yesterday and got a clean bill of health. Honestly, after about 5 months I was totally pain free. He completely nailed it!!! I also just referred one of my good friends who also feel in love with Dr.Kropf. I had interviewed 7 surgeons with my wife and we both agreed that there was no one better to do my surgery. This was not a fun thing to go through, but so worth it. Katie, Sakura, and Trisha also were awesome to deal with and super responsive."

-Lee E

"This man gave me my life back! I wouldn't be working today with him as a spine nurse ! I had a cervical fusion & artificial disc replacement for my lower back ! He's caring & compassionate & so is his staff ! He saved my husbands life also by ordering the right tests & got him to another specialist , I feel so blessed to have him! "

-Anastacia H

“Dr. Kropf is a very knowledgeable and experienced surgeon. He is just as straight forward and honest as I remember him from 19 years ago. He did an amazing job with my back then, that I flew across the country to discuss the second surgery with him!”

"I had a Cervical Spine Surgery February 2017 and Lumbar Spine Surgery November 2017. Both Surgeries were a Success. I feel so much better....No More Pain! Thank You, Dr. Kropf... You're the BEST!"

-Martha B

"First off, I believe Dr. Kropf helped save my life! It's been 6 months since I had my surgery and my spine has fused successfully! Dr. Kropf and his amazing staff treated me like a human being instead of just a patient! The support and encouragement they gave me throughout the few years I have been going is incomparable! Thank you to all those who helped me during my recovery, especially Sakura, and Trisha! You are all Angels on Earth! God Bless you!"

-Stefifi A