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Posterior cervical decompression - room for the cord, done properly.

Relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in the neck from behind - by laminectomy, laminoplasty or keyhole foraminotomy, with fusion only where it is needed. A consultant spinal surgeon, and the posterior-versus-anterior conversation up front.

See indicative pricing
A radiographer guides a patient onto the bed of an advanced 3 Tesla MRI scanner in a London imaging suite

Indicative pricing

What private posterior cervical decompression costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across our partner spinal units.

In short

£9,000–£15,000, home in one to two nights.

Procedure Indicative range
Spinal surgery consultation only £250–£450
Single-level posterior cervical decompression £9,000–£15,000
Multi-level posterior cervical laminectomy £13,000–£22,000
Posterior cervical decompression with fusion £18,000–£30,000
Cervical laminoplasty £14,000–£24,000
Posterior cervical foraminotomy (keyhole) £8,000–£14,000
Post-operative MRI or CT (if needed) £350–£900

Prices vary by hospital, by the surgeon, by the number of levels, and by whether a fusion with screws and rods is added. Multi-level and instrumented cases sit at the top of the range.

The problem

The right approach, the right timing, and honest goals.

Neck decompression is where the details decide everything - front or back, one level or several, fuse or don’t. We make sure each of those is settled properly before you consent.

  • Front or back?

    Anterior suits one or two disc levels; posterior suits multi-level narrowing, OPLL and a tight canal. Getting this right is half the operation.

  • Don’t leave myelopathy to drift

    Cord compression that is progressing rarely recovers on its own. Timely surgery is about stopping deterioration, not waiting for the worst.

  • Fuse only when you must

    Fusion stabilises but stiffens. A laminoplasty or foraminotomy can often decompress without it - we make sure the plan fits your neck.

When it helps

When posterior decompression is the right step.

The situations we see most, plus the one red flag that means an emergency assessment rather than a routine appointment.

  • Cervical spondylotic myelopathy

    Age-related narrowing squeezing the spinal cord in the neck - the commonest reason for a posterior decompression, especially over several levels.

  • Multi-level canal stenosis

    Narrowing across three or more levels, where clearing the pressure from the back treats the whole segment in one operation.

  • Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

    A hardened ligament (OPLL) narrowing the canal - often better approached from behind than the front.

  • Cervical radiculopathy from a lateral disc or spur

    A pinched nerve root causing arm pain, tingling or weakness, sometimes relieved by a keyhole posterior foraminotomy.

  • Congenitally narrow canal

    A canal that was always tight, in which even modest wear-and-tear tips it into cord compression.

  • Failure of, or contraindication to, an anterior approach

    When surgery from the front is not suitable - for example after previous neck surgery or where several levels are involved.

  • Tumour or infection compressing the cord from behind

    Selected spinal tumours or infections that press on the cord and are best reached posteriorly.

  • Red flag: rapidly worsening weakness or bladder change

    Fast-progressing arm or leg weakness, unsteadiness, or new bladder or bowel problems are an emergency - same-day assessment, not a routine booking.

Procedure options

The approach depends on your levels and alignment.

What each option involves - from laminectomy and laminoplasty to keyhole foraminotomy, and when a posterior fusion is added.

  • Posterior cervical laminectomy

    Removal of the lamina (the back wall of the canal) to give the spinal cord room. The classic decompression for multi-level myelopathy.

  • Cervical laminoplasty

    The lamina is hinged open and held rather than removed, preserving more of the bony architecture. Often chosen to keep neck motion in younger patients.

  • Laminectomy with posterior fusion

    Decompression combined with screws and rods to stabilise the neck - used where alignment is at risk or several levels are removed.

  • Posterior cervical foraminotomy

    A keyhole widening of the exit channel for a single nerve root, ideal for a lateral disc or bone spur causing arm symptoms without cord compression.

  • Posterior vs anterior decompression

    The front approach suits one or two levels with disc disease; the back suits multi-level narrowing, OPLL and congenitally tight canals. Anatomy and alignment decide.

  • Minimally invasive posterior techniques

    Tubular retractors and microscope-assisted approaches reduce muscle disruption for selected foraminotomies and limited decompressions.

  • Single vs multi-level surgery

    One level is quicker with a shorter stay; multi-level decompression takes longer, often needs fusion, and asks for a little more recovery.

  • Revision posterior decompression

    For narrowing that recurs or persists after earlier surgery - more complex, and best in experienced revision hands.

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

Posterior cervical decompression is a well-established operation. The things worth planning are the approach, whether to fuse, and realistic goals - especially in myelopathy.

  • GA in a proper theatre, with a spinal anaesthetist

    The operation is under general anaesthetic, positioned face-down. Neuromonitoring is used where cord compression is significant, to protect nerve function throughout.

  • The main goal is to stop deterioration

    For myelopathy, surgery reliably halts progression and often improves symptoms - but some numbness, stiffness or clumsiness can persist. We are clear about realistic goals before you consent.

  • Nerve and cord injury are rare but serious

    Injury to the spinal cord or a nerve root is uncommon in experienced hands, but it is the risk that matters most. It can cause new weakness, numbness or, very rarely, paralysis.

  • Bleeding, infection and wound problems

    Wound infection is under a few percent and usually settles with antibiotics. A collection of blood pressing on the cord is rare but needs urgent recognition - hence the overnight monitoring.

  • Loss of neck curve (kyphosis)

    Removing the lamina can, over time, let the neck tip forward - which is why fusion is added when alignment is at risk. Laminoplasty is another way to reduce this.

  • Neck stiffness and the C5 nerve

    Some stiffness is normal early on. A temporary shoulder weakness from irritation of the C5 nerve can occur after decompression and usually recovers over weeks to months.

  • Fusion, non-union and adjacent levels

    Where a fusion is done, it usually heals well, but non-union and, in the longer term, extra strain on neighbouring levels are recognised issues we discuss.

  • Recovery and driving

    Light activity within days, desk work often within two to four weeks, and heavier activity later, guided by your surgeon. Driving resumes only when you can turn your neck comfortably and safely.

  • Red flags after surgery

    New or worsening weakness, severe or spreading neck pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fever with wound discharge, or any bladder or bowel change need the same-day team or A&E, not a routine call.

Reading your operation note

Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.

Whether it was a laminectomy, laminoplasty or foraminotomy, the note the surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.

A UK consultant spinal surgeon reviewing a patient’s operation notes

A quiet reminder

Surgical language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.

If you would like us to talk you through the operation note and the imaging before your review, just ask.

  1. 01 Header

    Diagnosis, levels and approach

    Why the operation was done, which cervical levels were decompressed, and whether it was a laminectomy, laminoplasty or foraminotomy - with or without fusion.

  2. 02 Technique

    What was found and done

    The degree of narrowing, the state of the cord and nerve roots, and any instrumentation (screws, rods) placed to stabilise the neck.

  3. 03 Findings

    Decompression achieved

    How completely the pressure was relieved, and any tissue sent for histology if a tumour or unusual finding was involved.

  4. 04 Impression

    Recovery plan and follow-up

    Read this first: activity restrictions, physiotherapy, when to expect improvement, and the imaging follow-up for any fusion.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Posterior cervical decompression is usually covered when medically indicated, subject to pre-authorisation and confirmation of the levels and implants involved.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about neck decompression.

Quick answers on the approach, fusion, goals, cost and recovery.

  • What is posterior cervical decompression?

    It is spinal surgery that relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots in the neck through an incision at the back. The surgeon removes or hinges open the lamina - the bony back wall of the spinal canal - to give the cord more room. It is most often used for multi-level narrowing (cervical spondylotic myelopathy), ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and congenitally narrow canals, and is sometimes combined with a fusion.

  • How is it different from anterior (front) neck surgery?

    Anterior surgery reaches the spine from the front of the neck and suits one or two levels dominated by disc disease. The posterior approach reaches it from behind and suits multi-level narrowing, hardened ligament (OPLL) and congenitally tight canals. Your anatomy, the number of levels and the alignment of your neck decide which is safer - a decision we make sure is properly weighed before you consent.

  • Will the surgery cure my symptoms?

    The primary aim, particularly in myelopathy, is to stop the condition getting worse - and it does that reliably. Many people also gain relief from pain and some recovery of function, but numbness, stiffness or clumsiness that has been present for a long time may only partly improve. Realistic goals are set with your surgeon beforehand.

  • Do I always need a fusion as well?

    No. A foraminotomy or a laminoplasty can often decompress the neck without fusing it. Fusion is added when removing bone risks the neck tipping forward, when several levels are involved, or where there is instability. Your surgeon will explain whether your case needs one and why.

  • How much does private posterior cervical decompression cost in the UK?

    Roughly £9,000–£15,000 for a single-level decompression, £13,000–£22,000 for multi-level laminectomy, £14,000–£24,000 for laminoplasty, and £18,000–£30,000 when a fusion is added. A keyhole foraminotomy is typically £8,000–£14,000.

  • How long is recovery?

    Most people are up and walking the same day or the next, and home within one to four nights. Desk work is often possible within two to four weeks, with heavier activity and full recovery over two to three months, guided by physiotherapy. Multi-level and fusion cases take a little longer, and driving resumes only when you can turn your neck comfortably.

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