
Types of cervical decompression surgery
- Foraminotomy —This surgery creates a bigger space in the foramen to relieve pressure on the compressed nerves. ...
- Laminotomy —Your spine surgeon creates a hole in the lamina (bone covering the spinal canal, the large hole in the center of the vertebra through which the spinal nerves pass) ...
- Laminoplasty —Two incisions are made on both sides of the lamina to relieve neural pressure. ...
- Corpectomy —This procedure is performed when cervical stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) affects more than one disc. ...
- Microdiscectomy —Also called microdecompression, this minimally invasive surgery is performed through a small incision in the neck. ...
- Cervical laminectomy —This is the most common surgery for cervical spinal stenosis. The spine surgeon removes a small section of the lamina to relieve compression on the nerve. ...
What are the best neck exercises?
Top Exercises for a Thick Neck
- Weighted shrugs. Weighted shrugs target your upper trapezius, which makes up the side and back of your neck. ...
- Snatch grip rack pull. A rack pull is a deadlift that starts with the bar resting at around knee height in a power rack. ...
- High pulls. ...
- Neck extensions. ...
- Weighted lateral neck flexion. ...
- Lying neck flexion. ...
- Stability ball neck bridge. ...
How to safely do spinal decompression therapy at home?
Spinal decompression exercises to try at home
- Standing spinal decompression. This technique originated in ancient China. It stretches the spine, releases tension and frees the nerves of encumbrances.
- Knees to chest on back. This spinal decompression exercise will lengthen your spine on the floor. ...
- Cat Pose/Cow Pose. The cat and cow poses are simple yoga poses that stretch your spine. ...
- Child’s pose
Should you have surgery for cervical radiculopathy?
When symptoms of cervical radiculopathy persist or worsen despite nonsurgical treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery. The primary goal of surgery is to relieve your symptoms by decompressing, or relieving pressure on, the compressed nerves in your neck. Other goals of surgery include: Improving neck pain.
What are the best exercises for neck pain?
The exercises
- Dumbbell shrug. Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. ...
- One-arm row. Stand with your left knee on a flat bench and your right foot on the floor. ...
- Upright row. Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. ...
- Reverse fly. Lie on a bench at a 45-degree angle. ...
- Lateral raise. ...

What does cervical decompression do?
Posterior Cervical Decompression is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving pressure on the cervical nerve roots exiting the spinal column or on the spinal cord itself. This can help relieve neck pain and other nerve-related symptoms that have not responded well to conservative therapy.
How long does it take to recover from cervical decompression surgery?
It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to your usual activities. How long it takes depends on what kind of surgery you had. Your doctor may advise you to work with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles around your neck and back.
How do you decompress a cervical vertebrae?
5:358:443 Tips for Immediate Results (REDUCE NECK PAIN) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo for this I want you to interlace your fingers behind your neck both of them this time. And thenMoreSo for this I want you to interlace your fingers behind your neck both of them this time. And then push the back of your neck into your hands and kind of lightly resist with your hands.
How successful is decompression surgery?
The surgery has a relatively high success rate - about 90-95% - in providing relief of leg pain and/or buttock pain. Often, the pain relief is instant and patients wake up after the surgery feeling marked relief of their leg pain.
What activities should be avoided with cervical spinal stenosis?
What Is Spinal Stenosis?Avoid Excessive Back Extension. ... Avoid Long Walks or Running. ... Avoid Certain Stretches and Poses. ... Avoid Loading a Rounded Back. ... Avoid Too Much Bed Rest. ... Avoid Contact Sports.
What can you not do after cervical spine surgery?
Limitations. No driving while on narcotics or if you were given a neck brace to wear. No lifting more than 5 pounds (about a gallon of milk) for the first 2 weeks after surgery. No lifting more than 25 pounds for an additional 4 weeks (six weeks total).
How serious is cervical spinal cord compression?
Cervical myelopathy is a serious condition affecting the cervical spine, and if left untreated it can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death. In most cases, this is an urgent surgical condition.
How is cervical spinal decompression surgery performed?
Under general anaesthetic, a small incision is made in the back of the neck. The spinal muscles are retracted and spine exposed. Once your surgeon has ascertained the correct spinal level with an x-ray, bone and ligament is removed resulting in decompression of the affected nerve root and/or spinal cord.
How long does spinal decompression last?
How long does spinal decompression last? Each session will typically last between 30 and 45 minutes depending on the condition being treated.
Is spinal decompression a major surgery?
Lumbar decompression is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you'll be unconscious during the procedure and won't feel any pain as it's carried out. The whole operation usually takes at least an hour, but may take much longer, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
How long is nerve decompression surgery?
Nerve Decompression / Neurolysis generally takes less than one-hour per surgical site and can be performed under general or wide awake local anesthesia. After surgery, the surgical area is wrapped in a soft dressing.
What is the difference between discectomy and decompression?
decompression: opening or removal of bone to relieve pressure and pinching of the spinal nerves. discectomy: a type of surgery in which herniated disc material is removed so that it no longer irritates and compresses the nerve root.
How long does it take to recover from cervical decompression surgery?
After surgery you can expect your hospital stay to last up to seven days. Full recovery from cervical decompression surgery can take an average of five weeks. People experience back pain differently. We can help with a variety of surgical or nonsurgical treatments to get you back on your feet again.
Why is the nerve root removed during cervical decompression surgery?
During surgery, a small section of the bone that is compressing the nerve root is removed to alleviate pressure and allow the nerve root to heal. Sometimes fragments of material from the spine are lodged under the nerve root as well, and are removed during cervical decompression surgery.
What is the most common surgery for cervical spinal stenosis?
A microdiscectomy aims to relieve nerve compression and allow the nerve to heal. Cervical laminectomy —This is the most common surgery for cervical spinal stenosis. The spine surgeon removes a small section of the lamina to relieve compression on the nerve. The remaining spinal bones are connected back together with titanium metal rods and screws.
What is cervical spinal stenosis?
Cervical spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal and/or the opening in the vertebra (vertebral foramen) in the neck become narrowed. If the narrowing is substantial it can cause nerve compression and result in pain, loss of balance and coordination, neck stiffness and in severe cases, incontinence.
What is the procedure called when a vertebral disc is removed?
The surgeon removes the vertebral body as well as the affected discs to relieve pressure. Microdiscectomy —Also called microdecompression , this minimally invasive surgery is performed through a small incision in the neck. The spine surgeon removes a small section of the bone over the nerve root.
What is the procedure to open the spinal canal?
A spacer made out of bone, metal or plastic is inserted to hold the spinal canal open. Corpectomy —This procedure is performed when cervical stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) affects more than one disc. The surgeon removes the vertebral body as well as the affected discs to relieve pressure.
Why does my cervical nerve hurt?
The compression in the nerves can be because of different causes. The compression of the nerves in the cervical region can lead to severe pain in the cervical area. If the condition is worse, there are chances that you have issues with the mobility of the cervical region also.
Is cervical surgery minimally invasive?
The surgery for cervical treatment can be done through both the minimally and maximally invasive procedure. The procedure of the surgery followed by the surgeon depends on the condition of the patient and the analysis of the result of the diagnosis process.
Is cervical decompression surgery successful?
Cervical Decompression Treatment is approximately 99% successful. The minor complications are the ones that associate with every surgical process. However, it can be eliminated as they are short term side-effects. It is possible to overcome such disorders using the drugs and the medication.
What are the symptoms of cervical decompression?
It often comes with tingling, numbness, and especially pain in the arms and neck. Muscle spasms and headaches are also common symptoms, as well. Cervical decompression is one of the most used non-surgical methods to treat the condition. It can relieve nerve compression and much of the pain and pressure that patients face.
How long does cervical decompression last?
Using a neck traction device can last between a couple of minutes and 30 minutes.
What is compressed nerve root?
A compressed nerve root is the result of irritation or pinching of the spinal cord nerve roots. Nerve roots are the parts of the nerves branching out of the spinal cord. The pinching action by the disc material in the spine on the nerves can cause pain commonly referred to as Sciatica.
What is neck decompression?
Understanding Neck Decompression Therapy. Neck strain can often lead to debilitating pain. There are various treatment methods for neck pain, and one of them is neck decompression. This non-invasion method is useful in relieving pain in the lower back and neck, and the cause of this may be nerve compression. This article discusses information on ...
What are the symptoms of a compressed nerve in the neck?
The most common symptoms of a compressed nerve include tingling, numbness, or a prickling sensation, making it difficult to move freely.
How to understand neck pain?
To better understand how neck pain occurs and how it is treated, it is useful to look at the anatomy of the body's related parts. The neck is composed of vertebrae. These vertebrae extend from the skull to the upper part of the torso. Between the bones or vertebrae, there are cervical discs. Each disc is part of a system ...
How to treat neck pain?
There is more than one way to treat this pain. Medication, stretching, massages, proper sleeping positions, and ice and heat packs can be useful for patients, depending on what the doctor recommends and how severe the neck pain is. Information on all of these is available. Neck decompression or cervical decompression is another method ...
What is nonsurgical spinal decompression?
Nonsurgical spinal decompression uses motorized tractions to realign the spine and take the pressure off spinal discs. Individuals suffering from advanced osteoporosis, bone fractures, and tumors may not be eligible for nonsurgical procedures.
Where is the incision for a neck surgery?
The surgeon will make an incision in the front of the neck. The trachea and esophagus will be moved aside and held in place. The surgeon will shave down any bone spurs and remove the herniated or bulging disc that is pressing on the nerves and a bone graft is inserted into the space.
How long does spinal stenosis surgery take?
Surgery is performed with the patient facing upwards. The procedure is performed under full anesthesia, and the total procedure takes between 1-4 hours.
Can you have surgery for osteoporosis?
Individuals suffering from advanced osteoporosis, bone fractures, and tumors may not be eligible for nonsurgical procedures. Surgery is reserved for more advanced cases of spinal stenosis.
Cervical Decompression at Cobblestone Chiropractic and Wellness
Stop suffering from chronic neck and upper back pains with Cervical Decompression Therapy. This non-invasive procedure helps correct herniated or misaligned intervertebral discs affecting the cervical spine. A consistent and holistic treatment plan removes this interference, and helps the body correct and heal itself.
What You Need to Know About Cervical Decompression
Neck pain is no laughing matter especially when accompanied by tingling and/or numbness of the limbs. These are indicators of a possible compressed cervical spine that needs immediate attention. Setting an appointment with a chiropractor in Royal Palm Beach will help ascertain the condition and the corresponding treatment needed.
Live Your Life to Its Fullest
Don’t miss out on the daily activities you used to enjoy. With proper nutrition, consistent therapy, and regular exercise, there’s no need to be defined by an ailment. Cervical decompression might be the non-invasive treatment you need to help you live the lifestyle you want.
How can we help?
We offer a wide range of procedures to keep you robust, energetic and pain-free.
Cervical spine decompression
Over the years, there have been thousands of cervical spine surgical procedures performed in the United States. A common surgical procedure that is usually performed is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). It often accounts for many of the surgical procedures for cervical decompression.
Takeaway
ACDF is a common type of neck surgery that can address pain as well as other symptoms caused by cervical disc issues. You should expect to experience some challenges after surgery. Even though most of the issues can be managed successfully or pass on their own, it is beneficial for you to know they may occur and to monitor them.
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How to stabilize cervical spine?
To stabilize the cervical spine while the bone fuses, or mends into a solid unit, medical rods and screws will be attached to the vertebra. Depending on your diagnosis, your surgeon may recommend different fusion techniques.
What are the complications of cervical surgery?
While complications from surgery are uncommon, some can be serious and may include: Heart or lung problems from general anesthesia, which could be fatal. Bleeding, which could require a transfusion. Infection of the cervical incision, which could require IV antibiotics and another operation.
How long after steri strip surgery can you open the incision?
If after two weeks the Steri-Strips have not fallen off, you should remove them. After removing the dressing, your incision can be open to the air. It is important for a family member to examine your incision each day for 2 weeks after surgery to monitor it for any changes as the healing process continues.
Why do they do posterior cervical laminectomy?
A posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion surgical procedure is usually performed to treat spinal cord compression resulting from cervical canal narrowing. At times, it is also recommended for instability of the cervical spin e. Arthritis causes bone spurs to compress the spinal cord or nerves. For some people, this is a painful problem ...
How long before surgery can I take Advil?
Also, stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, Naprosyn, Naproxen, Advil and Motrin, at least one week before surgery. Please do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day of your surgery.
What to do after leaving hospital?
When you leave the hospital, you may have a rolling walker to help with your balance. Possible physical therapy exercises. After leaving the hospital, physical therapy is not necessary for most patients. Your best therapy is walking, which increases blood flow to the spine and assists in the healing process.
Can you take a stool softener after surgery?
General anesthesia, inactivity after surgery and pain-relieving prescription narcotics may cause constipation after surgery. It may be helpful to take a stool softener and/or laxative after surgery. These medications, which include Colace, Miralax and Senokot, may be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy.
What type of surgery is needed to stabilize the spine?
In addition, you may need spinal fusion to stabilize your spine. The following are the more common types of back surgery: Diskectomy: In this procedure, a portion of the disk is removed to relieve pressure on nerves.
What is the best treatment for back pain?
Surgical spinal decompression is another option for treating certain types of back pain. But it is usually used as a last resort. If other measures don't work, your doctor may suggest surgical spinal decompression for bulging or ruptured disks, bony growths, or other spinal problems.
What are the treatments for a swollen thigh?
Before or after therapy, you may have other types of treatment, such as: Electrical stimulation (electric current that causes certain muscles to contract) Ultrasound (the use of sound waves to generate heat and promote healing) Heat or cold therapy.
Is spinal decompression effective?
Doctors have used nonsurgical spinal decompression in an attempt to treat: Back or neck pain or sciatica, which is pain, weakness, or tingling that extends down the leg. More research is needed to establish the safety and effectiveness of nonsurgical spinal decompression. To know how effective it really is, researchers need to compare spinal ...
Can you have spinal decompression while pregnant?
Ask your doctor whether or not you are a good candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression. It is best not to try it if you are pregnant. People with any of these conditions should also not have nonsurgical spinal decompression: Fracture. Tumor. Abdominal aortic aneurysm. Advanced osteoporosis.

What Do I have?
- Cervical myelopathy and/or radiculopathy are conditions caused by compression of the spinal cord (myelopathy) and/or nerve roots (radiculopathy) as they pass through the cervical vertebrae (of the neck). Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, and decreased ability to move the nec…
What Does It do?
- Degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae and surrounding soft tissues (ligaments, intervertebral discs, joint capsules) cause narrowing of the spinal canal where the spinal cord itself passes, as well as the openings that allow passage of nerve roots as they exit the spinal cord and travel to other parts of the body. Compression of these nervous system structures lead…
How Long Have I Had It?
- The degenerative (arthritic) changes of the cervical spine that cause myelopathy and/or radiculopathy take years to develop and are the results of the ‘wear and tear’ on the neck caused by bearing the weight of the head (on average 10 pounds – the equivalent of a bowling ball) for years. Poor posture, overuse, and trauma (for example whiplash injury from a motor vehicle acci…
What Caused It?
- As previously mentioned, the degenerative, arthritic changes in the vertebrae and soft tissues of the neck lead to cervical stenosis, cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy. These changes take years to develop and are caused by the usual ‘wear and tear’ on the spine. Occasionally a sudden injury, from over-extension of the neck, overexertion, or whiplash from a motor vehicle accident, …
How Is It Treated?
- Treatment for cervical stenosis, cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy at Rochester Neurosurgery Partners is focused on the relief of symptoms caused by the condition, in particular pain relief, decreased numbness or tingling sensations, and restoring of muscle function. Patients in particular who develop progressive loss of strength and muscle function as a result of cervical s…
What Is Special About Our Approach to Treating This condition?
- Rochester Neurosurgery Partners has one of the largest collections of spine specialists in the area who offer a comprehensive range of surgical options for the treatment of cervical stenosis, myelopathy, and radiculopathy, including minimally invasive techniques and operations to fuse the spine in cases of cervical spine instability. Appropriate diagnostic imaging (for example MRI of t…