Severe neck pain, arm weakness, or numbness can stop you from living normally. When conservative care is no longer enough, Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a trusted, effective surgical option to relieve pressure on pinched nerves and restore stability in the neck.
Dr. Sanjay Ghosh, a board-certified neurosurgeon in San Diego, has over 20 years of experience performing ACDF using precise, minimally invasive techniques designed for faster recovery and long-term comfort.
Call (619) 810-1010 to schedule your cervical spine evaluation.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion is a cervical spine procedure that removes a damaged or herniated disc from the neck through a small incision in the front of the throat.
After the disc is removed and the compressed nerves are relieved, the space is stabilized using a bone graft and a small plate, and screws. This fusion restores alignment and prevents the disc from causing pain again.
ACDF is one of the most reliable and successful surgeries for treating nerve compression in the neck.
You may be a candidate for ACDF if you have:
If neck pain is radiating into your shoulder or arm or if you have numbness, tingling, or weakness, ACDF may help.
A clear diagnosis provides the best path to relief.
Dr. Ghosh uses a small, minimally invasive incision in the front of the neck, avoiding major muscles to reduce postoperative discomfort.
Step-by-step overview:
The result is predictable nerve relief and long-term stability.
Patients often notice improvement in arm pain shortly after surgery.
Key benefits include:
ACDF remains one of the most effective treatments for cervical nerve compression.
Patients trust Dr. Ghosh for his:
He performs ACDF procedures at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, University Ambulatory Surgery Center, and the Outpatient Surgery Center of La Jolla.
Not every patient needs surgery. Dr. Ghosh may recommend:
ACDF is considered only after conservative care has not provided enough relief.
Imaging, symptoms, and spinal alignment guide the decision. Disc replacement preserves motion, while ACDF adds stability.
Most patients notice little difference in daily motion because only one segment is fused.
Yes. Dr. Ghosh uses a small incision and gentle tissue techniques to minimize recovery time.
Most patients resume light activity in one to two weeks. Full fusion occurs over several months.
Yes. Many patients experience immediate or rapid improvement once the nerve is decompressed.
This depends on your job type. Many patients return within a few weeks.
Dr. Ghosh proudly cares for patients from Carlsbad, La Jolla, Encinitas, Mission Valley, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Mira Mesa, Hillcrest / Bankers Hill, Clairemont, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, Scripps Ranch, University City / UTC, and nearby communities throughout San Diego County. His Mission Valley clinic is convenient from every direction.
Some patients who benefit from ACDF also experience other cervical spine problems that affect nerve function, stability, and everyday movement. Dr. Ghosh treats a wide range of neck-related spinal conditions, including:
Cervical Disc Herniation
A damaged disc in the neck that presses on nearby nerves, often causing sharp arm pain, tingling, or weakness.
Disc Protrusion or Extrusion (Cervical)
When the disc shifts outward or ruptures deeper into the spinal canal, increasing pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Cervical Spinal Canal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck that may cause pain, balance changes, or difficulty using the hands.
Cervical Spinal Cord Compression
Pressure on the spinal cord that can lead to clumsiness, coordination problems, or progressive weakness.
Cervical Spondylolisthesis
A slipped vertebra in the neck that creates instability and can compress nerves or the spinal cord.
If you’re experiencing ongoing neck pain, radiating arm symptoms, or progressive weakness, Dr. Ghosh can determine whether ACDF—or another cervical treatment—is the right path forward.
If neck pain, numbness, or arm weakness limit your life, ACDF may be the solution. Dr. Sanjay Ghosh offers advanced, minimally invasive cervical spine surgery tailored to your needs.
Call (619) 810-1010 or request your consultation online to learn if ACDF is right for you.
Patients who regained strength and independence through precise, compassionate care.
Thank you to a man who comes to this church, who’s one of the great surgeons. He did something that’s pretty much impossible. His name is Sanjay Ghosh. Everybody wants to know who did Donna’s surgery — I’m just going to tell you straight out: it’s him. You do what you want to do with that, but that’s true. And he’s amazing, and we’re so grateful. He was a gift of God to us at this particular time.
For the most of my life, I have trained and presented wildlife in public conservation education programs and the media. My work is often very physically demanding and I have used the Senta Clinic and Dr. Sanjay Ghosh to treat my spinal issues and keep me able to continue my work and manage my pain.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma or are experiencing symptoms such as hearing loss or dizziness, contact Dr. Ghosh to discuss the best treatment options for you. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s unique condition and lifestyle.
Proudly partnering with Elisha Green – Practice Relations Liaison.
Lauren was born and raised in San Diego, California. She attended San Diego State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication in 2013. She began her professional journey in the hospitality field where she discovered her passion for helping others and building relationships. This eventually inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare, joining Sharp Healthcare in 2016 where she found great fulfillment in learning and growing within the medical field. Lauren began working with Senta Neurosurgery in 2017 supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh.
When not at work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, being an Auntie, traveling, and being outdoors.
Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child. She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.
When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.
Melissa has an Associate of Science Degree in Medical Office Administration. She has worked in healthcare for over 25 years. She started out working in a radiology department processing film and scheduling exams. Melissa joined Dr. Ghosh’s team in 2003 and uses her skills and experience to schedule Dr. Ghosh’s patients for surgery. She is a fierce advocate for our patients throughout the entire prior authorization and scheduling process, and her goal is to make the scheduling of our patients’ surgeries organized and stress free so that our patients can focus on healing.
Deborah is a California native. She attended American University in Washington, DC graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Environmental Studies. She was a college athlete, playing NCAA D1 volleyball all four years. She then attended California State University, Long Beach where she received a Masters of Marine Science in Shark Reproductive Physiology. During her first masters degree, she began transitioning into medicine and went on to receive her Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Deborah served as class Vice President. She graduated in 2017 and has been working at Senta Neurosurgery ever since. Deborah is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child. She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.
When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.
Felix was born and raised in Abilene, Texas where he graduated from Abilene High School in 2001. He was honored with the Chuck and Doris Moser Scholarship for his accomplishments as a varsity athlete in baseball and his excellence in academics and community service. He then attended Baylor University where he graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Felix then spent a couple of years working in the laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Johnson & Johnson. He then went on to the Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California to obtain his Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree. Felix graduated from physician assistant school in 2010. While pursuing his PA degree at USC, Felix served as class president and spent time training in neurosurgery and orthopedic spine. Felix has been a PA with Dr. Ghosh since May 2011.
Felix enjoys being active, including playing basketball, surfing, snowboarding, golfing, and exercising. Felix is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the California Academy of Physician Assistants.
Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at San Diego State University in 2002. She worked as an Exercise Physiologist at the Cardiac Treatment Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla before going to PA School. Amanda graduated from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona with a Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies in 2005. She began working for Dr. Ghosh in January 2006 working as the senior Physician Assistant and manager of the PAs. Amanda has spoken at the national level at the AAPA conference on various neurosurgical topics. She is highly committed to the future Physician Assistants and frequently has students shadow her and acts as a PA student preceptor. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants, and The San Diego Society of Physician Assistants. Amanda is honored to be a finalist for San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year— 2025 Healthcare Pioneer.
When not working, Amanda enjoys hiking, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, snowboarding, playing with her dogs and spending time with her family.
