When there is direct pressure on a cervical nerve or the spinal cord, a surgical approach to the back of the neck can be very effective in decompressing that structure. These approaches may involve either a laminectomy (which involves the removal of all of the back bony elements of the spine.) Or thru a laminoforaminotomy which involves making a window in the back bony elements as opposed to a complete removal. This window is approximately the diameter of a pea with the advantage of lower risk of destabilizing the spine as opposed to a complete laminectomy. These so call posterior laminotomies are very successful at improving symptoms of cervical nerve compression. These decompression procedures do not involve any type of fusion process and full motion is preserved.

Since a posterior foraminotomy does not destabilize the spine, as many levels as necessary can be done as needed without destabilizing the spine. A single level posterior foraminotomy surgical procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes, and most patients will leave the hospital the next morning. These can be done as out patient procedures. Patients are sent to physical therapy within 4-6 weeks after surgery, and return to normal activities 2-3 months after surgery. Certain individuals can return to work 2-3 weeks after surgery. A cervical collar is not needed following this procedure.