
Full Answer
Do I need spinal fusion after cervical decompression surgery?
If the cervical decompression surgery is minimally invasive, the structure of the spine will stay intact and there will be no need for spinal fusion. Cervical spinal stenosis is one of the most common reasons for cervical decompression surgery.
What is cervical decompression surgery?
Cervical decompression surgery is a procedure that removes any structures compressing the nerves in the neck. The cervical section of the spine begins at the base of the skull and supports the neck. During surgery, a small section of the bone that is compressing the nerve root is removed to alleviate pressure...
Can cervical neck decompression help my neck pain?
Cervical Neck Decompression May Be Just the Solution You Have Been Looking For… Many patients hope that the pain will simply go away on its own. It usually doesn’t. Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. Neck pain comes in many different forms.
What kind of microscope is used for cervical decompression surgery?
Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Operation. The spine surgeon will often use either an operating microscope or surgical loupes to provide for magnification and illumination as the operation proceeds. Although the dural sac is visualized during the decompression, the spinal cord and nerve roots are not directly seen.

Who does cervical decompression?
The spine surgeon removes a small section of the bone over the nerve root. During this procedure, disc material under the nerve root may be removed as well. 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.
How can I decompress my cervical spine at home?
2:5210:04How to Decompress Your Neck at Home (4 WAYS) | Dr. Jon SaundersYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo very simply we're going to pull our shoulders. Back pull them down. And hold this is a very goodMoreSo very simply we're going to pull our shoulders. Back pull them down. And hold this is a very good lower neck traction stretch. The next part of this stretch is we're going to take our chin.
How do you decompress a cervical nerve?
If you have mild symptoms, you might find relief from:rest.soft cervical collar.hot or cold compress.practicing good posture.nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)acupuncture.massage.yoga.
Does decompression of the neck work?
Cervical decompression therapy is a safe and effective treatment for conditions such as neck pain, cervical bulging or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, cervical stenosis and even headaches.
How often should you do neck decompression?
How Often to Do Spinal Decompression? Typically, you will undergo 2-5 spinal decompression sessions per week, for four to six weeks. That's 12-20 appointments before you can experience long-lasting pain relief.
How do you stretch c6 c7?
1. Neck extensionLie on your back on a table or bed with the bottom of your neck in line with the edge.Slowly and gently lower your head backward and let it hang. If this makes your pain worse, or sends pain down your arm, don't continue.Hold this position for 1 minute, rest 1 minute, and repeat 5 to 15 times.
What kind of doctor treats pinched nerve in neck?
If you have a pinched nerve, you may experience sudden or progressive pain that can involve your back and radiate down your arms or legs, as well as weakness or numbness. To determine whether you have a pinched nerve or something else, speak with a primary care doctor, neurologist or neurosurgeon.
Can a chiropractor fix a pinched nerve?
Relieving your nerve pain Studies show that chiropractic treatments can help patients who have pinched nerves in their spine. We can use chiropractic treatments to noninvasively realign your spine and relieve pressure on troubled areas of your back.
What happens if you let a pinched nerve go untreated?
If left untreated, it may lead to permanent nerve damage. The most common symptoms of a pinched nerve include neck pain that travels down the arms and shoulders, difficulty lifting things, headache, and muscle weakness and numbness or tingling in fingers or hands.
Is IDD therapy covered by insurance?
Flexion - distraction spinal decompression is covered by all insurance companies that cover chiropractic treatment - so you are only responsible for any co-pay or deductible. You do not pay up front for a series of treatments.
How long does cervical decompression last?
A thorough check is made that the nerves and spinal cord are free from compression. The wound is closed in layers, sometimes with a wound drain. The operation usually lasts 1-2 hours.
How long does decompression therapy last?
Each session typically lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. These spinal decompression sessions are painless and often relaxing as some patients fall asleep during the procedure. Many patients enjoy the sessions and find them quite relaxing.
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.
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.
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.
Where is the decompression and spine fusion procedure done?
The surgical procedure is done as follows: The decompression and spine fusion procedure begins with either a longitudinal or transverse incision in the lower front of the neck. The underlying musculature of the neck is carefully dissected, allowing the surgeon to expose the front of the cervical spine by retracting the esophagus ...
What is the purpose of retractors in cervical spine surgery?
Muscles and membranes overlying the anterior cervical spine are dissected as well, and retractors are placed to protect the soft tissues of the neck as the operation proceeds. After the surgical level (s) have been confirmed by X-ray or fluoroscopy, intervertebral discs are removed at the level (s) to be decompressed.
What type of bone is used in spine surgery?
The spine surgeon may employ either the patient's own bone ( autograft) or banked human cadaver bone ( allograft ), or a synthetic scaffold into which bone graft may be inserted (metal or carbon fiber cages). The reasons for selecting among these are many and complex.
Can you see the spinal cord during a spinal decompression?
Although the dural sac is visualized during the decompression, the spinal cord and nerve roots are not directly seen. See Outpatient Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) ...
Can a spine surgeon remove a PLL?
The spine surgeon may choose to remove the PLL if it is felt that it contributes to the compression of the spinal cord, or if there are fragments of herniated disc material beneath it. In that case the posterior longitudinal ligament is then carefully grasped and incised, and then removed in a piecemeal fashion.
How long does cervical decompression last?
Using a neck traction device can last between a couple of minutes and 30 minutes.
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.
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 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…
Can It Be Cured?
- Although there are several very good nonsurgical and surgical treatment options available to relieve the symptoms of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy, there is no cure, per se, for the degenerative changes in the cervical spine that caused the symptoms. Treatment, in the case of both nonsurgical as well as surgical, is targeted at the relief of the symptoms caused by the cerv…
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, …
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…