Cervical Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Dr. Scott M. Lewis, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with extensive expertise in treating complex back, neck, spine, and sacroiliac joint disorders. Specializing in minimally invasive and motion-preserving spine surgeries, Dr. Lewis is a trusted EmergeOrtho-Triangle Region Back, Neck & Spine team member. He is highly experienced in cervical spinal stenosis surgery, offering advanced treatment options for patients suffering from this debilitating condition. Dr. Lewis’ patient-first approach focuses on providing personalized, multidisciplinary care to restore mobility and quality of life. Dr. Lewis will be seeing patients in our Wilson, NC location.

What Is Cervical Spinal Stenosis?

Cervical spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal in the neck region narrows, placing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This condition can result in pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Left untreated, cervical spinal stenosis can lead to significant neurological impairment, including permanent nerve damage. Surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medications fail to alleviate symptoms.

What Is Cervical Spinal Stenosis Surgery?

There are several surgical procedures for cervical spinal stenosis, including:

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A small incision is made in the front of the neck to remove a herniated disc and replace it with a bone plug.
Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion: A portion of the vertebrae and discs are removed and replaced with a bone graft or metal plate and screws.
Laminectomy and Fusion: The roof of the vertebrae is removed, and the vertebrae may be fused with metal hardware and a bone graft.
Laminoplasty: A hinge is created in the lamina to increase the space within the spinal canal.
Foraminotomy: The foramen, where nerve roots leave the spinal canal, is removed. This procedure can be performed using an endoscope, which allows the surgeon to see inside the body through a tiny incision.
Discectomy: The injured part of a bulging or herniated disc is removed. This procedure can be performed using an open incision or a minimally invasive microdiscectomy.

Dr. Lewis’ use of minimally invasive techniques helps reduce recovery time, postoperative pain, and the risk of complications.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Spinal Stenosis Surgery?

Candidates for cervical spinal stenosis surgery typically experience severe, persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life, such as:

Chronic neck pain
Arm or hand weakness or numbness
Difficulty with balance or walking
Loss of fine motor skills
Bowel or bladder dysfunction (in extreme cases)

Surgery is generally considered when less invasive treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, or spinal injections, have proven ineffective. Dr. Lewis conducts thorough evaluations to determine the best course of action for each patient, ensuring that surgery is only recommended when necessary.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis Surgery Recovery

Recovery from cervical spinal stenosis surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and the individual patient. Minimally invasive techniques often lead to shorter hospital stays, less postoperative pain, and faster recovery times. Most patients can expect to:

Return home within 1 to 2 days after surgery
Begin physical therapy within a week to restore strength and mobility
Resume normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the surgery type

Dr. Lewis and the EmergeOrtho team provide personalized recovery plans tailored to each patient, focusing on safe rehabilitation and minimizing the risk of complications.

High Success Rates of Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Cervical spinal stenosis neck surgery has a high success rate, with most patients experiencing significant relief from symptoms. Studies show that up to 80%-90% of patients report improved pain, mobility, and function following surgery. Dr. Lewis is dedicated to achieving optimal outcomes through precise surgical techniques and comprehensive postoperative care.

While success rates are generally high, outcomes can vary based on factors such as the severity of the condition, the patient’s overall health, and the type of procedure performed. Dr. Lewis carefully reviews each patient’s case to establish realistic expectations and ensure the best possible outcome.

Other Common Spinal Stenosis Procedures

In addition to cervical spinal stenosis surgery, Dr. Scott Lewis routinely performs a variety of procedures to treat back, spine, and neck conditions. Some of the most common procedures include:

Cervical radiculopathy
Cervical myelopathy
Thoracic myelopathy
Thoracic stenosis
Lumbar radiculopathy
Lumbar stenosis
Neurogenic claudication
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Failed back syndrome
Orthopaedic disorders of the spine