Posterior cervical decompression
Surgery for neck pain without fusion
Also known as a microdiscectomy
What is posterior cervical decompression?
Cervical procedures can be performed through the front of the neck (anterior). or from the back of the neck (posterior). Your surgeon will choose which approach is best suited to your condition.
This procedure can be performed without needing fusion. Fusion is a technique that allows for decompression of multiple segments of the cervical spine in patients with multi-level stenosis.
Need to know
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What happens during surgery? icon plus
The procedure is usually conducted under general anaesthetic, meaning you'll be asleep for the duration. It usually takes between one and two hours. Because surgery is performed with you lying on your front, it is necessary to apply temporary pins to the skull, attached to a special clamp, which allows your head to be securely suspended over the operating table. These pins are removed immediately after the procedure (before you wake up).
Your consultant will make a cut in the middle of the back of your neck. The consultant will split the muscles to gain access to your spine. Enough bone and ligament tissue are removed to open up the narrowed part of the canal, giving your spinal cord and blood vessels more space. They will then carefully sew up the incision.
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How to prepare icon plus
Your consultant will tell you how best to prepare for your surgery. -
After surgery icon plus
You will spend around one to three nights in hospital. After surgery you may need to lie flat in bed for a few hours while the anesthetic wears off. The aim will be to get you up and walking as soon as possible after the surgery.The following day you will be mobilised in the morning with the assistance of a physiotherapist or nurse. Each day you will be encouraged to undertake more activities by yourself.
Our spinal consultants
Our locations in London
From complex spinal surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional spinal and back care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital Spinal Unit
South Building, Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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HCA UK City of London - 31 Old Broad Street
London
EC2N 1HT
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
Private Spinal decompression surgery in Birmingham
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The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Private Spinal decompression surgery in Manchester
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
Request a spinal appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced spinal consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.
Call us today
020 7079 4344