This reduces compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
When symptoms do not improve after several weeks or months of conservative treatment, surgery might be recommended.
Verwell / Julie Bang
What Is Neck Surgery?
Verwell / Julie Bang
In some cases, symptoms may stay the same or get worse after surgery.
Call your healthcare provider or 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
This will give you a chance to discuss your options and prepare you for surgery.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
How to Prepare
Neck surgerywill be scheduled by your healthcare provider.
They need to know this information to ensure your safety before, during, and after your surgery.
Neck surgery takes place in the hospital.
Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou
You should expect to stay overnight for one or two days after your surgery.
You will not be allowed to drive to or from the hospital before and after your surgery.
Make arrangements for a friend or family member to provide transportation for you.
You will get an IV put into your arm or hand to give you fluids and medication.
Then you will be wheeled into the operating room on a hospital bed.
The surgical team will help you get onto the operating table in the operating room.
Then, you will be given anesthesia to put you to sleep for the surgery.
Depending on the procedure performed, an incision will be made along the front and/or back of your neck.
Recovery
When your neck surgery is done, you will be taken to a recovery room.
You will stay there until you fully wake up from the anesthesia (usually after a few hours).
You will be encouraged to get up and walk within 24 hours after the surgery.
After you go home, your healthcare provider will schedule a follow-up appointment.
A Word From Verywell
Neck surgery is often the last option for treating neck problems.
Conservative measures should be tried first.
They will help decide if it is an appropriate option for you.
After surgery, be prepared to take several months to fully recover.
American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons.Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Surgical Treatment Options.
North American Spine Society.Appropriate Use Criteria: Cervical Fusion.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Neck Pain.
