Neck surgery patients may need fewer opioids with nerve block

This study tested whether a superficial cervical block—a numbing injection in the neck—can reduce the need for strong painkillers after anterior cervical discectomy surgery. Sixty adults undergoing this neck surgery were randomly assigned to receive the block or not. Researchers measured how much rescue pain medication (tramadol) each group needed and compared pain scores. The goal is to find a safer way to manage post-surgery pain and avoid opioid side effects.