Surgeries for Cervical Stenosis - Khobragade Multispeciality Hospital

What is Cervical Stenosis?

Cervical stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal in the neck region (cervical spine) becomes narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This narrowing can be due to age-related changes, arthritis, herniated discs, or thickened ligaments, leading to pain and neurological symptoms.

Cervical stenosis can significantly impact daily life if left untreated. Surgical intervention offers effective relief, prevents worsening of neurological symptoms, and restores mobility and function. Consultation with a spine specialist will help determine the most appropriate surgical option based on the individual’s condition, symptoms, and overall health.

Symptoms of Cervical Stenosis

Patients with cervical stenosis may experience:

Neck pain and stiffness
Numbness or tingling in arms, hands, or legs
Weakness in limbs
Difficulty with balance and coordination
Problems with fine motor skills such as buttoning clothes
In severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel control

Types of Surgical Procedures for Cervical Stenosis

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
- Removal of the problematic disc or bone spur from the front of the neck, followed by fusion to stabilise the spine.
Posterior Cervical Laminectomy
- Removal of the lamina (back part of the vertebra) to widen the spinal canal and relieve pressure.
Cervical Laminoplasty
- Reshaping and repositioning of the lamina to enlarge the spinal canal without removing the vertebra completely.
Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy
- Removal of bone or tissue compressing a nerve root to relieve arm pain and nerve symptoms.

Procedure / Treatment

Surgery is recommended when conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and injections fail to relieve symptoms, or if neurological deficits worsen. The surgical procedure depends on the extent and location of stenosis:

Under general anaesthesia, an incision is made either in the front or back of the neck based on the chosen procedure.
Compressed areas are decompressed by removing discs, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments.
Fusion or reconstruction may be done to maintain spinal stability.
Patients typically stay in the hospital for 1-3 days post-surgery and begin gradual rehabilitation for neck mobility and strength.

Prevention

While age-related stenosis cannot be entirely prevented, risk can be reduced by:

Maintaining good neck posture
Avoiding repetitive neck strain
Regular exercise and neck strengthening
Managing arthritis and bone health with a balanced diet and necessary supplements

Benefits of Surgery

Relief from neck pain and stiffness
Improved arm and hand strength
Reduced numbness or tingling sensations
Enhanced balance and walking ability
Prevention of further neurological damage
Improved quality of life and daily functioning