Advanced Treatment for Neck Pain
Posterior cervical fusion is a type of spine surgery that joins two or more bones in your neck (vertebrae). We often use this approach to treat broken bones or spinal cord damage. We also use it to treat nerve pain, neck tumors, infections or deformities.
Our spine surgeons perform this surgery through the back of your neck. We place new bone (graft) along the side of your spine, securing it with screws and rods. This procedure stabilizes the bones in your neck. Over time, the graft connects the bones.
Sometimes, surgeons may also need to decompress the spinal cord or spinal nerves. This is called a posterior cervical laminectomy. Nerve pressure can be caused by arthritis, herniated discs (a problem with the cushioning between vertebrae) or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). Your surgeon can provide you with an alternative procedure to decompress your spinal cord and preserve cervical spinal motion, which is called a cervical laminoplasty.
Most people spend two to three days in the hospital after surgery. Your physical therapist and occupational therapist will show you how to get in and out of bed on your own safely and make sure you know how to protect your neck during recovery. If a neck brace is recommended, one will be provided for you prior to leaving the hospital.
When to See a Spine Surgeon
Trusted Expertise in Neck Surgery
As an academic health center, our surgeons have the experience to perform even the most complex spine and neck surgeries — people seek us out for our advanced expertise.
Blue Cross Blue Shield recognizes us as a Blue Distinction Center, which means you can be confident your care team is known for exceptional care.
You benefit from a team of spine specialists — spine surgeons, physical therapists and pain management experts — to make sure you get complete care.
Before you leave the hospital, your physical therapist will show you safe neck movements and explain what to do during your recovery.