Neck Pain and Worsening Symptoms After a Car Accident

But last year, everything changed when he was rear-ended in an auto accident. Although he received immediate care and didn’t initially feel seriously injured, he did notice persistent neck discomfort. He returned to Oak Brook-based MOR physical therapist Tracy Labahn, a trusted clinician from his previous treatment, for evaluation.

Symptoms Escalate

Over the course of several sessions, Tracy worked with Todd to ease the discomfort in his cervical spine. However, his symptoms began to worsen in unusual ways. He developed intermittent numbness and tingling in his hands, particularly while riding his stationary bike. Soon, he could no longer lift his arms above his shoulders, and walking became increasingly difficult due to severe balance issues. Neighbors noticed he had begun walking hunched over. At one point, he was even unable to lift a spoon to eat. Both physically and emotionally, it took a toll.

At a follow-up appointment, he shared these alarming developments with Tracy. “You’re not doing very well,” Todd recalls her saying. Concerned, Tracy immediately consulted with Dr. Kern Singh, an internationally renowned minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Dr. Singh promptly ordered an MRI.

Diagnosis: Severe Cervical Spinal Stenosis

The results revealed severe cervical spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spaces within the vertebrae, resulting in spinal cord compression. Dr. Singh explained that while spinal stenosis is often caused by age-related degeneration and arthritis, in Todd’s case, it was likely aggravated by trauma from the car accident.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery: A Minimally Invasive Solution

Dr. Singh recommended a highly specialized procedure called an endoscopic cervical laminectomy. This ultra-minimally invasive surgery involves creating two tiny incisions in the skin (less than the size of a pen tip) to remove the pressure on the spinal cord without disrupting the bone and muscle around the spinal cord. Using an endoscope (a small camera) and precision instruments, Dr. Singh could create more space within Todd’s spinal canal, alleviating his symptoms, much like what is done in knee and shoulder arthroscopy.

Dr. Singh is among a select group of surgeons in the United States utilizing this advanced technique, which results in less tissue disruption, fewer complications, and a faster recovery for patients.

Todd agreed to proceed with surgery, which was scheduled for the day after his official retirement.

“Todd’s case is very common and typically treatment involves a multi-level laminectomy and possibly a fusion,” Dr. Singh explains. “Both of these procedures involve cutting through the muscles of the neck. Fortunately, with an endoscopic approach, I am now able to tackle challenging cases with a small camera, allowing patients to quickly enjoy life again.”

Faster Recovery and Long-Term Relief

Todd entered the operating room at 12:30 p.m. and was awake in recovery by 2:30 p.m. Dr. Singh informed him that the procedure had been a success and discharged him that same day.

“Not only did Dr. Singh take excellent care of me, but his staff, Lauren and Neil, were terrific throughout the whole process,” Todd said. “And I have to thank Tracy for getting me connected to Dr. Singh so quickly.”

Just one month post-surgery, Todd is back to being active and is pain-free. He rides his stationary bike, shoots baskets in his driveway, and walks tall again. Friends and neighbors notice the difference and cheer him on.

“I’m impatient; I want to do everything right away,” he laughs. “But Dr. Singh told me that in six to twelve months I’ll be back to playing basketball, hitting the batting cages, and tossing the football. I’m so grateful. He gave me my life back. Just being able to cook my own dinner and not worry about falling. It’s a huge relief.”

About Dr. Kern Singh: Leader in Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Dr. Kern Singh is a globally recognized leader in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery. He is one of the few U.S. surgeons specializing in endoscopic spine procedures and has pioneered cutting-edge techniques now used worldwide. A frequent international lecturer, including recent appearances in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Singh is also a leading innovator in spinal instrumentation and surgical technology.