The Cervical Foraminotomy is a surgical procedure which helps reduce symptoms of pinched or compressed spinal nerve. This procedure enlarges neural foramen, providing an opening for the never roots to exit from the spine and travel throughout the body. This protective passageway for nerves transmits signals to the spinal cost and rest of the body.

Cervical Foraminotomy is done using minimally invasive surgery. This procedure does not involve cutting or stripping of the muscles from the spine region. Cervical Foraminotomy is different from the conventional open spine surgery requiring spine muscles to be cut or stripped.

Who Requires Cervical Foraminotomy?

Cervical Foraminotomy helps treat conditions like bone spurs, herniated discs, and thickened ligaments or joints. The compressed nerve in the neck region can cause serious neck pain, stiffness, and suffering. The patient may have tingling sensation, numbness, or weakness. This pain may also radiate to other parts of the body like arms and hands. Patients whose medical condition fails to respond non-surgical treatments usually require Cervical Foraminotomy.

Procedure

The patient undergoing the treatment must rest on their stomach.

Decompression

The minimally invasive procedure allows early discharge of the patient. In some cases, the patient may require a longer stay. The pain symptoms may improve immediately or after some time. You need to make sure that you follow your physician’s instructions for a full and timely recovery. You may also be able to resume your daily activities within a few weeks.

Closure

The surgeon closes the incision as soon as the surgery is completed using sutures. This operational procedure may leave a small scar.

After the Procedure

Patients are usually able to recover early if the minimally invasive procedure is adopted. The pain symptoms improve gradually.

The physician selects the type of treatment for spine or neck related problems as per a patient’s health, age, and physical challenges faced.