Cervical Decompression

What Is Cervical Decompression Surgery?

Cervical decompression is a surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. One of the spine’s many functions is to protect the spinal cord. The vertebrae have a channel through their center, called the spinal canal, where the spinal cord passes through. The canal provides enough space for the spinal cord to function while being protected on all sides by strong bones. Some conditions, however, create obstructions in the spinal canal. This puts pressure on the spinal cord, causing pain.

By removing bone spurs, herniated discs, and other impediments, the surgeon creates space around the spinal cord. This process eliminates compression and allows nerves to function normally. The patient experiences immediate and long-lasting relief from neck pain and other symptoms of spinal cord compression, letting them get back to the activities they enjoyed before their symptoms began.

What Does Cervical Decompression Treat?

Cervical decompression is used to treat cervical stenosis. This term refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal that creates pressure on the spinal cord in the neck. Most cases of stenosis are caused by bone spurs, or bony extensions that intrude into the spinal canal. Bone spurs can develop from neck injuries or as a natural side effect of getting older. Stenosis may also be caused by other conditions. Common causes of cervical stenosis include:

• Cervical degenerative joint disease (arthritis)
• Cervical herniated disc
• Cervical slipped disc
• Lumbar degenerative disc disease
• Cervical kyphosis
• Thickened ligaments

Cervical stenosis can cause a wide range of symptoms. It is associated with neck pain, arm or leg cramps, numbness, impaired motor function, partial paralysis, and loss of bowel or bladder control. These symptoms do not get better by themselves. Patients must seek medical treatment to find relief.

What Are the Alternatives to Cervical Decompression?

Treatments for cervical stenosis do not typically begin with surgery. Most patients seeking surgery have tried conservative methods for managing their pain, which may include:

• Physical therapy
• Traction therapy
• Pain relief medications
• Steroid injections

Though these methods provide temporary relief, they only help to manage symptoms. They cannot cure the cause of spine pain. Constant management is necessary to remain pain-free and functional, and management strategies will become less effective as stenosis gets worse. Surgical treatment is the only complete and permanent solution to pain caused by cervical stenosis.

Is Cervical Decompression Right for You?

Though surgery can provide lasting relief, it is not the right treatment for everyone. A board-certified spine surgeon must determine whether cervical decompression is appropriate for a patient’s condition. These signs may indicate a good candidate for decompression surgery:

• Pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulders, arms, or torso
• Extreme pain or numbness in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
• Loss of motor control over the hands or feet
• Pain that does not go away with physical therapy or medication
• Pain that interferes with everyday activities and quality of life

If a patient is experiencing symptoms that may be caused by cervical stenosis, their physician will begin by diagnosing the cause. They will perform a thorough physical examination to learn more about the symptoms and their source, before reviewing the patient’s medical history. X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans may also be used to check the spine for bone spurs, herniated discs, and other problems that may be causing pain.

What Types of Cervical Decompression Are Available?

Once the cause of a patient’s pain is discovered, they will schedule an appointment with Dr. Branko Skovrlj. Dr. Skovrlj is an award-winning neurosurgeon with extensive experience in a wide variety of spine procedures. He can perform multiple types of decompression treatments, including:

• Cervical laminectomy: Dr. Skovrlj removes the lamina, or the back section of the vertebra, to open a space around the spinal cord.
• Cervical hemilaminectomy: Performed similarly to a laminectomy, this procedure removes less of the lamina to avoid destabilizing the spine.
• Cervical discectomy: Dr. Skovrlj removes all or most of a slipped or herniated spinal disc that is impinging on the spinal cord.
• Cervical microdiscectomy: This procedure removes only strategic parts of the spinal disc to leave the rest intact.
• Cervical foraminotomy: Dr. Skovrlj removes parts of bone from the foramen, or the narrow channel that allows root nerves to leave the spinal cord.
• Spinal fusion: Dr. Skovrlj uses implants and bone graft material to fuse two or more vertebrae together, eliminating motion to stabilize the spine.

Dr. Skovrlj’s surgical work and research have earned him numerous awards. Despite his accolades, however, he maintains a care approach that is centered on compassion. He understands that pain can be a difficult topic to discuss, especially when it causes limitations or insecurities. He builds relationships with his patients, establishing trust and helping them talk about their pain to find a permanent solution.

Outcomes of Cervical Decompression

After a cervical decompression, patients experience major relief. There may be minor pain from the surgery itself. The condition that causes cervical stenosis, however, has been eliminated. Many patients can stop taking pain medications or reduce their reliance on them. They also enjoy better sleep and can follow a more active lifestyle, facilitating a higher quality of life.

Dr. Skovrlj treats pain with minimally invasive methods when possible. Minimally invasive surgeries use specialized tools to reduce the amount of cutting required. They cause less surgical stress and allow for a smoother healing process with the following benefits:

• Shorter hospital stays
• Less post-surgical bleeding
• Less risk of infection or complications
• Higher surgical success rates
• A faster full recovery

Find Expert Neck Pain Care Near You in New Jersey

Patients struggling with neck pain can transform their lives with a touch of care from NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We provide cervical decompression surgery and other cutting-edge spine treatments, helping patients live free from pain. Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Decompression

What is cervical decompression surgery?

Cervical decompression is a type of neck surgery that is performed to widen the spinal canal, removing pressure from the spinal cord. There are several types of decompression procedures, including:

• Laminectomy
• Hemilaminectomy
• Discectomy
• Microdiscectomy
• Foraminotomy
• Spinal fusion

Who is a good candidate for cervical decompression?

Surgery is not recommended for everyone. A patient is a good candidate if they experience severe pain, numbness, or loss of function that does not go away with conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication. The patient’s physician will perform a thorough evaluation and help them decide whether surgery is appropriate for their condition.

What is the recovery time after cervical decompression?

The recovery time for a cervical decompression surgery varies, but most patients can return to light activity within a few weeks. However, a full recovery can take three to six months.