Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy
Motion-Preserving Surgery for Pinched Nerves in the Neck
Quick Summary
Posterior cervical foraminotomy is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve in the neck.
Commonly performed for cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
Performed through an incision in the back of the neck
Removes bone or disc material compressing the nerve
Preserves motion of the cervical spine
Often improves arm pain, numbness, and weakness
What Is a Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy?
Posterior cervical foraminotomy is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve exiting the cervical spine.
Nerves leave the spinal canal through small openings called foramina. When a disc herniation or bone spur narrows this opening, the nerve can become compressed and cause symptoms such as arm pain, numbness, or weakness.
During this procedure, the surgeon carefully removes a small portion of bone or disc material to expand the space around the nerve, relieving the compression.
Because the procedure does not require fusion, it allows the treated level of the spine to maintain normal motion.
When Is Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy Recommended?
Posterior cervical foraminotomy may be recommended for patients with nerve compression affecting one side of the neck.
Common conditions treated include:
Cervical disc herniation
Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck)
Bone spurs narrowing the nerve opening
Surgery may be considered when:
Arm pain persists despite non-surgical treatment
Numbness or weakness develops
Imaging confirms nerve compression in the cervical spine
How Is Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy Performed?
The procedure is performed through a small incision in the back of the neck.
During surgery:
The surgeon gently moves muscles aside to access the spine.
A small portion of bone is removed to enlarge the nerve opening.
Any disc material or bone spurs compressing the nerve are removed.
The nerve is decompressed and allowed more space.
Because the disc is not removed entirely and the spine is not fused, motion at the treated level is preserved.
The procedure typically takes about one to two hours.
Benefits of Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy
Potential benefits include:
Relief of arm pain caused by nerve compression
Improvement in numbness or tingling
Recovery of strength in the arm or hand
Preservation of motion in the neck
Avoidance of spinal fusion in selected patients
Many patients experience significant improvement in arm pain and nerve symptoms after surgery.
Recovery After Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy
Recovery after this procedure is often quicker than fusion surgery.
Typical recovery includes:
Walking soon after surgery
Many patients returning home the same day or after one night in the hospital
Gradual return to daily activities
Avoiding heavy lifting early in recovery
Most patients return to normal activities within several weeks, although recovery varies.
Risks and Considerations
Posterior cervical foraminotomy is generally safe, but all surgeries carry potential risks.
Possible risks include:
Infection
Bleeding
Nerve irritation
Persistent symptoms
Recurrent disc herniation
Your surgeon will review the risks and benefits based on your individual condition.
When Should Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy Be Considered?
This procedure may be appropriate when:
Nerve compression causes persistent arm pain or neurologic symptoms
Non-surgical treatments have not provided sufficient relief
Imaging confirms compression of a nerve exiting the cervical spine
The condition can be treated without requiring spinal fusion
When used for the correct indication, posterior cervical foraminotomy can provide excellent relief of nerve-related symptoms while preserving spinal motion.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
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Foraminotomy means enlarging the opening where a spinal nerve exits the spine in order to relieve pressure on the nerve.
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Yes. Because the procedure does not involve spinal fusion, motion at the treated level is preserved.
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Posterior cervical foraminotomy is generally less invasive than fusion procedures, since it does not require removal of the entire disc or placement of implants.
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For appropriately selected patients, posterior cervical foraminotomy can be very effective at relieving arm pain caused by nerve compression.
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Recurrence is uncommon but possible if additional degeneration or disc problems develop over time.
When should I see a spine specialist?
You should seek evaluation if you have:
Neck or arm pain persists despite treatment
You develop weakness, numbness, or coordination problems
Symptoms that interfere with daily activities
Early evaluation can help guide appropriate treatment.