i have recently had an mri scan on my neck the results are that 5 of my vertabrae have degenerated due to arthritis. this has caused posterior disc-osteophyte bars causing significant narrowing of the neural exit foramina affecting in total seven nerves. i have been referred to a neuro surgeon for spine surgery. can you tell me what this operation involves in order to free the trapped nerves, approx how long i can expect to be in hospital and how long it would take me to recover from such an operation many thanks. Julie Smith
Hello, The surgery in your case aims to relieve the compression from the nerves and spinal cord and to maintain the stability of the cervical spine.  This is achieved by posterior laminectomy (removal of posterior bony parts of the vertebrae) with or without spinal stabilization (it depends on the extension of the laminectomies and number of levels involved). In general, there is a tendency for minimally invasive surgery in such cases and, if the surgery goes well, a few days in the hospital are necessary. Full recovery may take a couple of months. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Chat Doctor.