Jump to
Cervical laminectomy: Overview
A cervical laminectomy is a surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves in the neck. It's sometimes called decompressive surgery.
During the surgery, the doctor removes pieces of the bony covering and other tissues that are squeezing the spinal cord and nerves. In some cases, small pieces of bone or small plates and screws will be used to hold the spine in place after the tissue is removed. This is called fusion.
Many people have less pain soon after surgery. But you may feel stiff and sore for a few months.
Most people go home 1 to 2 days after surgery. You will likely go back to work in 2 to 4 weeks. But if your job requires physical labor, it may take 4 to 8 weeks.
After cervical laminectomy: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You are unable to move an arm or a leg at all.
- You have symptoms of a blood clot in your lung (called a pulmonary embolism). These may include:
- Sudden chest pain.
- Trouble breathing.
- Coughing up blood.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse symptoms in your arms or legs. Symptoms may include:
- Numbness or tingling.
- Weakness.
- Pain.
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
- You bleed through your bandage.
- You have symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not have a bowel movement after taking a laxative.
- You are not getting better as expected.
How do you prepare for a cervical laminectomy?
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Preparing for surgery
- You may need to shower or bathe with a special soap the night before and the morning of your surgery. The soap contains chlorhexidine. It reduces the amount of bacteria on your skin that could cause an infection after surgery.
- Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
- Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
- Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
How can you care for yourself after a cervical laminectomy?
Activity
- Your doctor may give you specific instructions on when you can do your normal activities again, such as driving and going back to work.
- Be active. Walking is a good choice.
- Rest when you feel tired.
- Allow your body to heal. Don't move quickly or lift anything heavy until your doctor says it is okay.
- You will probably need to take 2 to 4 weeks off from work. But if your job requires physical labor, it may take 4 to 8 weeks. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.
Diet
- You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
- If your bowel movements are not regular right after surgery, try to avoid constipation and straining. Drink plenty of water. Your doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.
Medicines
- Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also get instructions about taking any new medicines.
- If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if and when to start taking it again. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
Incision care
- If you have strips of tape on the cut (incision) the doctor made, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off.
- Wash the area daily with warm water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing.
- You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes fluid or rubs against clothing or your brace. Change the bandage every day.
Exercise
- Do neck exercises as instructed by your doctor.
- Your doctor may advise you to work with a physical therapist to improve the strength and flexibility of your neck.
Other instructions
- Follow your doctor's instructions about wearing a brace or collar to support your neck.
- To reduce stiffness and help sore muscles, use a warm water bottle, a heating pad set on low, or a warm cloth on your neck. Do not put heat right over the incision. Do not go to sleep with a heating pad on your skin.
©2011-2025 Healthwise, Incorporated
The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.