Cervical spine surgery

How much cervical spine surgery costs will depend on various factors including the hospital and consultant you choose as well as the reasons you are having surgery. Your consultant will talk you through the cost of your surgery before it is agreed and you’ll always have prices confirmed in writing before you book.

If you are paying for your own treatment, we offer fixed-price packages. These include your operation as well as any aftercare you need. They don’t include the cost of your initial consultation, or any scans or tests needed to make a diagnosis.

If you have private health insurance, speak to your provider to see whether cervical spine surgery is covered by your policy. 

Your consultant may recommend cervical spine surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve root in your neck. Some conditions that can be treated with cervical spine surgery include:

Degenerative disc disease

Where the discs between your vertebrae wear down leading to problems such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) and spondylolisthesis (where a vertebra moves out of place).

Herniated cervical disc

A disc between the cervical vertebrae bulges out and puts pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.

Bone spurs

These are abnormal growths of bone that can develop around the cervical discs, pinching the spinal nerves or putting pressure on your spinal cord.

Fractured vertebrae, tumours, or deformity

Broken vertebrae, malignant and non-malignant growths or deformities such as scoliosis are less common causes of pinched or compressed nerves in the cervical spine.

Cervical spine surgery has many benefits including:

• Pain relief 
• Prevents symptoms from getting worse
• Improved mobility 
• Helps stabilise your spine and protect your spinal cord
• Improved quality of life due to reduced pain, increased mobility and a return to activities you enjoy

Your consultant will usually only recommend cervical spine surgery when other, more conservative treatments haven’t worked. Some alternatives that you may try before deciding to have cervical spine surgery include:

Watchful waiting

Involves regular monitoring of your condition and waiting to see if your symptoms improve on their own.

Rest and activity modification

Resting and avoiding activities that make your pain worse can be enough to relieve symptoms.

Lifestyle changes 
This can include relaxation techniques, healthy eating, taking regular exercise, quitting smoking, and getting plenty of sleep.

Ice packs and/or heat therapy
These treatments can both relieve or reduce pain and can help to reduce muscle spasms. You shouldn’t use these approaches without speaking to your GP, physiotherapist or consultant first. When used improperly they can actually exacerbate the issue.

Physiotherapy 
Physiotherapy is a common treatment for back problems and spinal problems, it can help to reduce pain and improve function and mobility.

Medication
May include painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids or muscle relaxants.

Steroid injections
Steroid injections can reduce swelling in the affected area, relieving pain and allowing for increased mobility. This could help you to make the most of a course of physiotherapy as you will be able to do more.

There are several types of cervical spine surgery. The type of surgery you have will vary depending on your symptoms, diagnosis, general health, and what you hope to achieve from the surgery.

Cervical spine surgery is typically performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you’ll be asleep for the procedure and won’t feel any pain.

Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF)

Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is a two-part operation to remove a herniated or damaged disc, or bone spurs that are putting pressure on the nerve roots and/or spinal cord and fuse the cervical spine to stabilise and strengthen it.

During the first part of the surgery, (anterior cervical discectomy), your consultant makes an incision (cut) in the front of the neck, gently moves the other structures out of the way and locates and removes the damaged disc or bone spur. For the second part of the surgery (spinal fusion), your consultant will use a bone graft to fuse the adjacent vertebrae, and an artificial disc or implant to replace the removed disc.

Posterior foraminotomy

This is a type of minimally invasive surgery that is used to relieve pressure on the nerve root, or a pinched nerve by enlarging the space between two vertebrae (the foramen).

Through a small incision in the back of your neck, your consultant will locate your compressed nerve and identify the cause. They will then remove the source of the compressed nerve by either removing part of the lamina, enlarging the foramen or removing a damaged or herniated disc.

Artificial disc replacement surgery 

This is a procedure where an artificial disc is used to replace a damaged cervical disc that has been removed.

During artificial disc replacement surgery, your consultant will make a small incision in the front of your neck, remove the damaged disc and replace it with an artificial one.

Cervical laminectomy

A cervical laminectomy is an operation to remove all or part of the lamina (part of the vertebra), to relieve excess pressure on the nerves in the cervical spine. It can help to relieve the symptoms of spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

During cervical laminectomy surgery, your consultant will make a small incision in the back of your neck and expose the bone (vertebra) at the back of your cervical spine. They will then remove all or part of the lamina and any other sources of compression such as a damaged disc or bone spurs.

Tumour resection

Benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumours can occur in the spine and may involve the spinal cord, nerve roots or vertebrae. Surgery aims to relieve pain, stabilise the spine and preserve or restore function.

During tumour resection surgery, your consultant will make an incision either in the front or the back of your neck. They will locate the tumour and remove as much of it as possible while attempting to avoid neurological problems. The incision is then stitched closed.

At your first consultation, you will be seen by a consultant spinal neurosurgeon, a doctor specialising in performing operations on the spine and spinal cord.

Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, general health, medical history and any medications you take regularly. They may ask to see the results of any tests or scans you have had previously, or they may arrange them on the day.

These may include:

• Imaging tests: such as an MRI, CT scan, X-rays, myelogram, or electromyogram (EMG)
• Nerve conduction studies 

They will perform a thorough physical and neurological examination to assess your neck's range of motion and flexibility, muscle strength, sensation, and reflexes.

Your first appointment is important as it’s where you’ll meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care. Your consultant will take time to get to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. At Circle Health Group, we want you to be as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your time with us, so please discuss any questions or concerns with your consultant during your appointment.

Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your cervical spine surgery. Instructions on how to prepare will also be in your appointment letter.

If there’s anything you’re not sure about, or if you have any questions, please contact the hospital for advice.

Pre-operative assessment 

Around a week or two before your surgery, you will need to attend the hospital for a pre-operative assessment to make sure you are fit for surgery. Take any medication you take regularly with you to your appointment. At your preoperative assessment, we will check your weight and blood pressure and order tests such as a blood test, chest X-ray and electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate your general health before your cervical spine surgery.

Optimise your general health 

It's important to be in the best possible health before your cervical spine surgery as this will allow your procedure to go as smoothly as possible, speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of complications after your surgery.

To ensure you are as healthy as possible before your surgery:

• Stop smoking at least eight weeks before your cervical spine surgery. Smoking increases the risk of complications such as breathing difficulties and infection and can impair wound healing. Your consultant can offer you advice and support with quitting smoking before your surgery
• Follow a healthy, nutritious diet
• Take regular exercise
• Avoid alcohol for a few days before your surgery. Alcohol thins your blood and can increase the risk of bleeding during your operation

Prepare for your recovery 

You can help your recovery by making some preparations in advance. These include:

• Stock up on food and prepare a few meals in advance that you can freeze and heat up during your recovery
• Arrange for child and pet care if needed 
• Arrange for someone to help you with household chores such as shopping, cooking, laundry and cleaning during your recovery 
• Arrange for someone to drive you home from hospital, and for a few weeks after your cervical spine surgery. You will not be able to drive for around two to four weeks after your procedure
• Keep things you use regularly such as your glasses, medications, useful telephone numbers, a book and the TV remote control within easy reach and in a place that avoids you having to bend

Regular medications 

Your consultant may tell you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners for a few days before your surgery. This is to minimise the risk of bleeding during and after your procedure.

On the day of your surgery 

On the day of your surgery, take a shower before you arrive at the hospital. Do not apply any products to your skin such as lotions, creams, makeup or perfume. Don’t wear nail varnish and leave any valuables and jewellery at home.

You will not be able to eat or drink anything from midnight on the day of your cervical spine surgery.

Before your surgery, you’ll need to sign a consent form to say that you agree to have the procedure and are aware of what it entails and the possible risks and complications of the surgery.

Recovering from any type of surgery is a gradual process that is different for everyone and depends on factors such as your age, general health, the type of procedure you had and your individual recovery process. You can help your recovery to go more smoothly by being as well informed as possible about your surgery and following your consultant’s post-operative instructions carefully. Call the hospital if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery.

You may have some pain after your surgery. This can be severe in the first week or two, especially if your surgery was performed through the back of your neck. Your healthcare team will give you medication to manage this.

Your healthcare team will give you instructions on caring for your surgical wound once you are discharged from hospital. Keep your wound dry for the first five to seven days. Wash the area with warm water and mild soap, and gently pat dry. Call the hospital immediately if you notice signs of infection such as worsening pain, redness, discharge or a foul smell.

After your cervical spine surgery, you should avoid sitting and standing for more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time and change your position regularly to avoid leg cramps and muscle spasms. Taking short walks every day can help your recovery. Gradually build up the amount you walk each day and stop if you have pain or feel tired.

Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least six weeks and contact sports, horse riding, climbing and riding a motorcycle for at least three months.

Your consultant may recommend a course of physiotherapy to build strength and flexibility in your neck muscles for around four to six weeks after your surgery.

Frequently asked questions about spinal surgery

What happens during cervical spine surgery?

What happens during cervical spine surgery varies depending on the type of surgery you are having. Your consultant will explain your procedure in detail to you and answer any questions you may have.

How many nights will I need to stay in hospital?

How long you need to stay in hospital after your cervical spine surgery depends on the type of surgery you had, your general health, and how well you recover after surgery. Most people stay in the hospital for one to two nights after cervical spine surgery, but this can be longer for more complex operations.

How soon can I go back to work?

You can expect to take around four weeks off work if your job is sedentary such as office work. You may be off work for up to three months if you have an active or physically demanding job.

When will I be back to normal?

How long it takes to fully recover from cervical spine surgery will vary depending on factors such as your age, general health and the type of surgery you had. Most people are able to resume normal daily activities after two to three months. You may experience discomfort or changes in sensation in your neck or arm for the first three months after cervical spine surgery. It can take up to a year for the bone graft to fully heal after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Like all types of surgery, cervical spine surgery carries a small risk of complications.

Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications of cervical spine surgery before your procedure and answer any questions you may have. It’s important that you are fully informed about any possible risks and complications before your procedure and are able to make an informed decision.

Possible complications of any type of surgery include:

• Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic
• Bleeding 
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Wound infection
• Damage to nearby structures

Possible complications specific to cervical spine surgery include:

• Increased pain or chronic (long-term) pain 
• Infection of the surgical wound or implant 
• Haematoma: A collection of blood under the skin
• Bleeding 
• Spinal cord injury
• Nerve injury
• Spinal fluid (CSF) leak
• Adjacent segment disease: A condition where the vertebrae above or below the operated area degenerate after spinal fusion surgery
• Pseudoarthrosis: Where the vertebrae involved in a surgical fusion fail to heal and fuse together
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): This is usually temporary 
• Failure of the bone graft, cage or implant 
• Movement of the bone graft, cage or implant 
• No improvement in symptoms, or symptoms coming back

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care – with monthly payment plans and 0% finance options available
  

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about cervical spine surgery, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

Cervical (neck) Spine Surgery - The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust

Cervical Spine Surgery - Spine-Health

Care Of Your Neck Following Cervical Spine Surgery - Hull University Teaching Hospitals

Cervical Spine Surgeries - The American Center for Spine & Neurosurgery