Cervical Spine Surgery

What is Cervical Spine Surgery?

The main types of Cervical Spine surgery are an anterior discectomy, a cervical laminectomy and a foraminotomy. Cervical spine surgeries are performed if a disc slips damages or tears. Surgery is offered in these cases if treatment such as painkillers, rest and physiotherapy is unsuccessful and if symptoms fail to settle on their own.

They are also used to treat Cervical spondylosis this is the deterioration and ‘wear and tear’ of the cervical spine. The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes between 2 and 4 hours.

Possible Side Effects and Aftercare

The speed of your recovery after the surgery is dependent on a number of factors such as your general health before the surgery, physical fitness, mental attitude and use of tobacco. It is also dependent on the severity of the spinal surgery and the type of surgery. If your procedure has been performed via your throat it's important to make sure that you are eating and drinking properly.

It can take up to 8 weeks before you can resume normal activities. This can take longer depending on your own personal recovery time.