Cervical Stenosis Surgery

Medically reviewed by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — dual board-certified spine surgeon & neurosurgeon. Last reviewed October 2026.

Cervical spinal stenosis narrows the canal in the neck and can compress the spinal cord itself — causing hand clumsiness, balance trouble, and weakness that tend to progress. Surgery relieves that pressure to protect long-term function, and because it involves the spinal cord, it belongs with an experienced surgeon.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

How Cervical Decompression Relieves Stenosis

Procedure Overview

Cervical stenosis surgery relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in the neck by reopening the narrowed canal — from the front (as in an ACDF or corpectomy) or the back (laminectomy, sometimes with fusion), depending on where and how the cord is compressed. Because the spinal cord doesn't tolerate pressure well and symptoms (myelopathy) tend to progress, timely decompression protects long-term function.

Conditions We Treat

Am I a Candidate?

Surgery is considered for cervical stenosis causing cord compression (myelopathy) — hand clumsiness, balance or walking difficulty, weakness — or persistent nerve symptoms, confirmed on imaging. Because myelopathy tends to progress, timely evaluation matters. Dr. Greenwald's dual training as a spine surgeon and neurosurgeon is well suited to cord-level surgery.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

Benefits & Risks

Expected Outcomes

For well-selected patients, cervical decompression relieves cord pressure and can stop the progression of myelopathy, protecting function. Neurological recovery depends on the pre-operative severity — which is why early treatment of cord compression is so important. We discuss realistic, individualized expectations.

Life Beyond the Pain

How It's Performed

Under general anesthesia, the cord is decompressed through the approach best suited to your anatomy — anterior (front of the neck) or posterior (back). The bone, disc, or thickened ligament compressing the cord is removed, and the spine is stabilized with a fusion if needed. This is meticulous work performed around the spinal cord itself.

Recovery & Return to Activity

Recovery depends on the approach and whether a fusion was needed. Neurological recovery depends on how long and how severely the cord was compressed before surgery.

Insurance, Out-of-Network & Cost

Cost and coverage shouldn't stand between you and relief. Desert Spine and Pain welcomes out-of-network patients and will walk you through what your evaluation and treatment are likely to involve before anything is scheduled — so there are no surprises. We'll help you understand your benefits and options, whether you're using insurance, paying out-of-pocket, or being treated under a personal-injury claim.

Proudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area

Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix

Choosing the right spine specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a spine doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.

Cervical Stenosis Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions