The main objective of this study is to analyze the effects of local anesthetic application into the retropharyngeal space and its ability to reduce dysphagia symptoms and/or occurrence rates in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

The patients will be randomly assigned into one of the two groups to receive either bupivacaine hydrochloride 0.5% solution if they are randomized to the treatment group or 0.9% NaCl solution if they are randomized to the control group. These solutions will be poured into the retropharyngeal space intraoperatively before wound closure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients older than 18 y.o.
• Patients undergoing one- or two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery for radiculopathy or myelopathy symptoms
• Patients are wiling and able to sign informed consent and complete questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

• More than 2-level ACDF surgeries
• Previous cervical spine surgery
• Surgeries for trauma, infection or tumor
• Known hypersensitivity reactions to bupivacaine hydrochloride or other amino-amide anesthetics (e.g. lidocaine)
• Known history of swallowing issues (e.g. dysphagia, odynophagia)
• Pregnant or breastfeeding