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Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy & Microdiscectomy

What is Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy and Microdiscectomy?

If you have a pinched nerve in your neck, you may feel different symptoms. These may include:

  • Neck pain
  • Arm pain
  • Weakness in your arm or hand
  • Numbness or tingling in your arm or hand
  • Difficulty performing everyday tasks like computer work or driving

The main goal of a posterior cervical microdiscectomy in NJ and NYC is to help relieve pressure from your spinal nerve. The procedure is performed in a New Jersey hospital or surgical center. A small incision will be made in the back of your neck, and the muscles will be gently spread apart to introduce a tube through which the surgery will be performed. Specialized instruments will then be used to trim the bone and ligament pressing on your nerve. If a herniated disc is contributing to the problem, this will be removed as well.

Benefits of posterior cervical foraminotomy and microdiscectomy in NJ include:

  • Small incision
  • Less pain
  • Less blood loss
  • Rapid recovery time
  • No need for an implant or instrumentation

Many New Jersey residents choose to have a posterior cervical microdiscectomy because it can help rapidly relieve pain or abnormal sensations and can help you quickly get back to your normal activities.

Recovery after Posterior Cervical Microdiscectomy

Many patients are surprised at how quickly they recover from posterior cervical microdiscectomy in NJ. Most patients return home within 24 hours of the surgery.

You may start gentle stretches soon after the procedure, and your doctor may allow you to return to work within 7 to 10 days of the surgery. If your job requires heavy labor, you may be required to wait weeks before returning to work.

Most patients who undergo an posterior cervical microdiscectomy in Bergen County, Passaic County and other areas of NJ return to their full active lifestyle within 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. Your doctor will provide guidance during your recovery so that it goes as smoothly as possible.

Risks of Posterior Cervical Microdiscectomy

This is typically a low risk procedure. However, all surgical procedures come with some risk. Risks or potential complications of posterior cervical microdiscectomy include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Spinal fluid leak

The risks associated with the surgical procedure are rare. Your surgeon will discuss with you the risks associated with posterior cervical microdiscectomy in NJ so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Is a Posterior Cervical Microdiscectomy Surgery Right for Me?

Every surgical procedure should be given careful consideration by both the patient and the doctor, and every patient responds to surgery differently. Some variables help ensure that your posterior cervical microdiscectomy in NJ will be successful. People who engage in healthy behaviors like avoiding smoking, exercising regularly and leading an active lifestyle tend to have a favorable outcome after the procedure.

It is natural to have some concerns when considering posterior cervical microdiscectomy to manage your neck pain or pinched nerve. Meeting with a neurosurgeon in our northern NJ office can help answer your questions and concerns and can help determine if the procedure is right for your specific condition.