Neck · Decompression
Posterior Cervical Decompression
Surgery from the back of the neck that creates more room for the spinal cord and nerve roots, relieving pressure that causes neck and arm symptoms.
Overview
What is Posterior Cervical Decompression?
Posterior cervical decompression removes bone or thickened tissue at the back of the neck that is pressing on the spinal cord or nerves. Depending on the source of pressure, this may involve removing part of the lamina (laminectomy) or widening the openings where nerves exit (foraminotomy).
It is often considered for stenosis or myelopathy affecting more than one level, or when the source of compression sits behind the spinal cord.
Conditions it may treat
Medicare, PPO, private insurance, workers’ comp & cash accepted →
How it works
The procedure, step by step
Step 1
Evaluation
Exam and diagnostic testing — such as MRI or CT — pinpoint where the pressure is.
Step 2
Access
A midline incision at the back of the neck; muscles are gently moved aside.
Step 3
Decompression
Bone or tissue pressing on the cord or nerves is carefully removed.
Step 4
Stabilization if needed
If the spine may become unstable, a fusion can be performed at the same time.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Less disruption.
A quicker return to life.
For some patients, nerve-root decompression can be performed through smaller, muscle-sparing incisions. Dr. Record will explain whether a minimally invasive approach is appropriate for you.
Conservative first
A Conservative Approach to Spine Care
Dr. Record believes that surgery is not necessarily the first step for every patient. Whenever appropriate, she works with patients to explore non-operative and conservative treatment options first.
When conservative treatment does not provide sufficient relief — or when a patient would like to understand whether surgery may be appropriate — Dr. Record provides a comprehensive discussion of available surgical options.
Her goal is to identify the treatment approach that can help alleviate pain, restore function, and help patients return to the activities that matter to them.
FAQ
Questions about Posterior Cervical Decompression
Don’t see your question? Call (213) 876-8670.
Will I need a fusion as well?
Not always. If removing the compressing tissue could make the spine unstable, Dr. Record may recommend combining decompression with a posterior cervical fusion.
Can this help with hand numbness or balance problems?
When these symptoms come from spinal cord compression (myelopathy), relieving the pressure aims to stop progression and may allow improvement.
Will I have imaging done at the office?
No. There are no X-rays in-house. When needed, Dr. Record orders X-rays, MRI, CT scans, nerve testing or lab work through outside facilities and reviews the results with you.
Will my insurance cover this procedure?
Dr. Record accepts Medicare, workers’ compensation, PPO plans and a variety of private insurance plans, plus cash payments. Many procedures need pre-authorization — our team will help check your coverage before surgery.
Ease the pressure in your neck
Ask Dr. Record whether posterior cervical decompression is right for you.