For more than two years, Samantha Pierce dedicated her life to helping mothers bring new life into the world as a midwife in San Antonio. After delivering more than 100 babies, chronic neck pain eventually began affecting her ability to continue the work she loved.

What started as ongoing discomfort gradually progressed into worsening neurological symptoms that began interfering with the use of her hands — an essential part of her profession.

“I have two discs in my neck that are herniated,” Samantha explained. “Over time, it’s become worse. I have trouble feeling my fingers.”

After her insurance company denied coverage for the procedure she needed, Samantha feared she might lose the ability to continue her career.

Then, a community effort led by Dr. Frank Kuwamura and the South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital helped make surgery possible at no cost.

Chronic Neck Pain Can Affect More Than Comfort

Conditions affecting the cervical spine can sometimes lead to symptoms beyond simple neck pain.

When damaged or herniated discs place pressure on nerves, patients may experience:

• numbness or tingling in the hands
• weakness
• radiating arm pain
• difficulty with coordination or grip strength
• worsening mobility issues

For Samantha, these symptoms directly affected her ability to safely continue working as a midwife.

Understanding Herniated Discs in the Neck

A cervical herniated disc occurs when one of the discs in the neck becomes damaged and places pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord.

Depending on the severity of the condition, symptoms may include:

• chronic neck pain
• arm pain
• numbness or tingling
• weakness in the hands or arms

A spine evaluation helps determine whether conservative treatment options or surgical procedures may be appropriate.

Learn more about Herniated Discs

Learn more about Neck Pain

A Two-Level Cervical Disc Replacement Procedure

Instead of undergoing a traditional spinal fusion procedure, Samantha received a two-level cervical disc replacement using the Mobi-C Cervical Disc device.

Cervical disc replacement is designed to address certain cervical spine conditions while preserving motion in the neck.

Dr. Frank Kuwamura, Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, worked alongside the South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital and Zimmer Biomet to help provide the procedure.

“She does an amazing job for our community,” Dr. Kuwamura said. “Losing the use of her hands is important when delivering babies.”

What Is Cervical Disc Replacement?

Cervical disc replacement is a procedure that may be considered for certain patients with damaged cervical discs causing nerve compression or persistent symptoms.

Unlike traditional fusion procedures, cervical disc replacement is designed to preserve motion between vertebrae in select cases.

Treatment recommendations depend on:
• imaging findings
• severity of symptoms
• nerve involvement
• patient health and activity level

Supporting the San Antonio Community

At MD Spine Care, helping patients improve function and quality of life remains a central focus of care.

For Samantha, the procedure represented more than pain relief — it offered the opportunity to continue serving women and families throughout the San Antonio community.

“It’s a miracle,” Samantha said.

Meet Dr. Frank Kuwamura

Dr. Frank Kuwamura is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon serving patients throughout San Antonio and surrounding communities.

His practice focuses on evaluating and treating conditions affecting the back, neck, and spine using both conservative and surgical approaches when appropriate.

Learn more about Dr. Frank Kuwamura

Schedule a Spine Evaluation in San Antonio

If you are experiencing persistent neck pain, numbness, or radiating symptoms, the team at MD Spine Care can help evaluate your condition and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Schedule your consultation today.