At the age of 64, Jean travelled thousands of miles from France to Guangdong Clifford Hospital in China in search of a solution to a problem that had troubled him for years: a cervical spine condition.

Jean had previously undergone anterior cervical spine surgery in France, but his symptoms had not completely resolved. This time, he turned to China for a minimally invasive procedure requiring just two keyhole-sized incisions.

Persistent Symptoms Gradually Spread Throughout His Body

Several years ago, Jean underwent anterior cervical spine surgery in France for cervical spinal stenosis. However, his symptoms did not completely disappear. As he grew older, factors such as prolonged poor posture while looking down and a possible genetic predisposition contributed to the progression of his cervical spinal stenosis, seriously affecting his quality of life.

About one year ago, Jean began experiencing pain and discomfort in his neck and shoulders. His condition gradually worsened. Radiating pain and numbness developed in his right arm, extending from his forearm to the back of his hand, palm and fingers. He also experienced numbness on the right side of his chest and around the lower ribs. When walking, he felt as though he were stepping on cotton, making his gait unstable and his steps difficult to control.

In March, following a recommendation from a friend, Jean and his family travelled approximately 9,000 kilometres to Guangzhou, China, to consult Dr Liu Huiliang, Director of Orthopaedics Ward II at Guangdong Clifford Hospital. Although Jean and his family spoke only French, the hospital arranged professional interpretation services, ensuring clear and effective communication throughout his medical journey.

Dr Liu explained that cervical spinal stenosis is a common degenerative condition of the spine. The spinal canal can be compared to a pipe surrounding the spinal cord. When the canal becomes narrowed for various reasons, it compresses the spinal cord and nerves inside, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness and difficulty walking. Ageing, prolonged poor posture-particularly frequently looking down and possible genetic factors can gradually cause the spinal canal to become increasingly narrowed and congested.

Two “Keyholes” Relieved the Pressure on His Spinal Cord

Given Jean’s prior anterior cervical spine surgery and his expectation for a less invasive procedure with faster recovery, Dr Liu and his team conducted rigorous assessment before recommending a posterior minimally invasive approach.

The team performed unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) spinal decompression. During the procedure, a C-arm X-ray system was used to precisely locate the C4–C5 and C5–C6 spinal levels. Two small incisions, approximately 1cm each, were made on the posterior cervical region, forming the so-called “keyhole” access. The lower incision served as the viewing portal for endoscope insertion, while the upper one acted as the working portal for surgical manipulation. During surgery, the team observed significant narrowing of the spinal canal and swelling of the spinal cord. Dr Liu Dr. Liu removed the bone and thickened neck ligaments that were pressing on the spinal cord with professional surgical tools. Following decompression, the dura mater visibly expanded and the normal pulsation of the spinal cord returned, indicating that the compression had been successfully relieved. Through just two “keyhole-sized” incisions, the surgical team reopened a vital pathway for Jean’s compressed spinal cord.

On the first day after surgery, Jean was able to get out of bed and walk with guidance from the medical team. The numbness and unstable gait that had troubled him for so long were noticeably relieved. He has since recovered well and been discharged from the hospital.

Why Are People Who Frequently Look Down More Vulnerable to Cervical Spine Problems?

Jean’s case once again highlights the importance of cervical spine health. According to Dr Liu, prolonged desk work, frequent use of mobile phones and insufficient physical activity can affect people of all ages. These habits may gradually straighten the natural curvature of cervical spine, reducing its ability to absorb pressure and accelerating degenerative changes and spinal canal narrowing. 

Cervical spine problems may be prevented by paying attention to several aspects of daily life:

• Maintain Good Posture and Take Regular Breaks：Avoid keeping your head down for lengthy periods. After working at a desk or using a mobile phone for 30 to 40 minutes, stand up, move around and gently stretch your neck to relax the surrounding muscles.

• Stay Safe While Travelling: Always wear a seat belt when driving or travelling in a vehicle. Sudden braking and rear-end collisions are common causes to cervical whiplash injuries. Avoid falling down after drinking to prevent accidental neck injuries.

• Seek Medical Attention When Symptoms Appear: People who experience numbness or weakness in their hands or feet, unsteady gait, a sensation of “stepping on cotton,” or difficulty holding objects should consult a spinal specialist as early as possible. These symptoms should not be ignored or left untreated.