If you are experiencing chronic neck pain, weakness, or numbness in your arms or hands, perhaps as a result of a car or motorcycle crash injury, it may be caused by pressure on the spinal cord or nerves in the cervical spine. When these symptoms interfere with your daily life and nonsurgical treatments no longer help, cervical laminectomy may be an option.
At Impact Medical Group, we offer this proven procedure to help relieve pressure, improve mobility, and enhance your overall quality of life.
What Is a Cervical Laminectomy?
Cervical laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a small section of bone called the lamina from the vertebrae in the neck. This allows more space within the spinal canal and relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. By removing the source of compression, the surgery can reduce pain, weakness, and numbness that often radiate from the neck into the shoulders, arms, and hands.
Cervical laminectomy is commonly performed to treat spinal conditions such as cervical spinal stenosis, herniated discs, bone spurs, or tumors. In some cases, the procedure may be combined with a spinal fusion to help stabilize the spine.
Who May Benefit from Cervical Laminectomy?
You may be a candidate for cervical laminectomy if you are dealing with any of the following:
- Persistent neck pain that radiates into the arms or shoulders
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands
- Difficulty walking or problems with coordination
- Spinal cord compression confirmed by imaging studies
- Lack of improvement with physical therapy, injections, or medications
At Impact Medical Group, we take the time to understand your symptoms and perform a complete evaluation to determine the best course of treatment. If cervical laminectomy is appropriate for your condition, we will walk you through each step of the process.
What to Expect Before and After Surgery
Before surgery, your provider will give you specific instructions to help you prepare. This may include lab work, imaging, and temporary changes to medications.
You will also have a chance to ask questions and learn more about what to expect on the day of your procedure.
Cervical laminectomy is performed under general anesthesia. During surgery, the lamina is carefully removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, which may be a result of car or motorcycle crash injuries. Depending on the severity of the condition, your surgeon may also address other issues, such as disc problems or bone spurs.
Most patients spend a short time in the hospital following surgery. Recovery involves rest, light activity, and possibly physical therapy to help regain strength and range of motion. While healing times vary, many patients begin to notice improvements in pain and nerve-related symptoms within a few weeks.
Compassionate Spine Care at Impact Medical Group
Living with chronic neck pain and nerve symptoms can be frustrating and limiting. At Impact Medical Group, our goal is to help you feel better, move better, and live better. With expert care and a personalized treatment plan, you can move forward with confidence.
If you believe cervical laminectomy may be right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our experienced team today.
