Cervical and lumbar decompression surgery is a procedure that is performed to alleviate pain caused by a pinched nerve (neural impingement).

Cervical is the neck portion of the spine made up of seven vertebrae. When decompression surgery is performed, the surgeon removes bone to relieve pressure and pinching of the spinal nerves, so that it no longer irritates and compresses the nerve root.

During lumbar decompression back surgery, a small portion of the bone over the nerve root or disc material from under the nerve root is removed to give the nerve root more space and provide a better healing environment.