Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery for Back Pain

Pain and tingling or numbness in the arms and legs can be brought on by pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Walking difficulties and issues with bowel and bladder function might result from pressure on the nerve roots in the lower back (lumbar region). Your pain may be alleviated with a laminectomy.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms outlined in this article, it's time to get a FREE Consultation and MRI Review with Deuk Spine Institute. We will help relieve your pain and get you back to living your life without limitations!

A popular type of spine surgery is a laminectomy. A spine surgeon performs the treatment by removing a tiny piece of bone from the lower spine known as the lamina. This is frequently utilized in the neck (cervical laminectomy), the middle of the back, and the lower spine (lumbar laminectomy) (thoracic laminectomy).

The bones that protrude from the back of the spine are referred to as the lamina (sometimes called "bony arches"). Their surgical removal can result in enhanced quality of life and function by relieving pressure on pinched nerves or the spinal cord.

Around the age of 30, the spine's bones begin to naturally deteriorate, which in many people results in pain or other symptoms that are nerve-related. Surgery is frequently the best solution when these symptoms affect one's ability to function and overall quality of life. An extensive procedure may occasionally include a laminectomy for additional reasons.

In order to address spinal stenosis, your spine surgeon may think about doing a laminectomy.

The spinal canal gradually narrows due to stenosis (the tunnel created by the bones in your spine where the spinal cord passes through). The spinal cord and nerve roots get crowded in the contracting area, which may result in excruciating pain or make some movements challenging. As your body ages, spinal stenosis frequently develops as the tissues in the spine gradually deteriorate. Low back discomfort is frequently brought on by lumbar spinal stenosis, a type of stenosis in the lower back.

A lumbar spinal stenosis may result in:

• Aches when walking or bending over.
• Tingling or numbness near your lower back, groin, or legs.
• Bowel or bladder issues (which are less common but can be serious).

Yes, a certain kind of laminectomy is frequently performed by spine surgeons to repair a herniated disk. The intervertebral discs between the vertebrae of the spine act as soft, pliable cushions and spine shock absorbers. When the soft inner section of the disk is forced outside the fibrous external covering, a herniated disk results. A spinal nerve or the spinal cord may be pushed against by the ejected disc material, which could result in a significant issue. A herniated disk can cause excruciating agony. For some degenerative back issues, your spine surgeon may think about performing a laminectomy.

You will lay face down on a unique apparatus that properly cushions the front of your body during lumbar laminectomy surgery. You'll receive a general anesthetic, which will cause you to fall asleep throughout the treatment. then your spine surgeon:

• Cuts a hole in your lower back.
• Open the muscles so you can reach the spine.
• Removes all or a portion of the lamina (bone) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

The process typically lasts two hours, but if it is a part of a more involved procedure or if several levels need to be handled, it may take longer.

Spinal decompression procedures include laminectomy (removal of the lamina bone) and discectomy (removal of the diseased disk tissue). During a laminectomy operation, your doctor might do a diskectomy or use other methods (such as spinal fusion, which involves uniting two vertebrae).

The following are potential side effects of laminectomy:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• health or anesthesia issues
• clots of blood
• nerve harm
• the leak of spinal fluid
• bladder or bowel issues (incontinence)
• deteriorating backache

You may leave the hospital one to two days after surgery or go home the same day (if part of a larger procedure, a hospital stay may be longer). Large incisions (open surgery) or small incisions with specialized equipment are two ways that surgeons can execute laminectomy (minimally invasive spine surgery). You might be able to leave the hospital sooner or experience less discomfort if your surgeon performs the laminectomy using less intrusive methods.

Your healthcare practitioner will administer medication to you before you leave for home to assist you to cope with any discomfort. Your healthcare practitioner will also go through when and how you should start moving around after surgery. A physical therapist will usually be your first point of contact, and they will instruct you on how to move safely as your body heals.

Everyone recovers at their own rate. Start out slowly and with some rest. After surgery, you shouldn't make any bending or twisting motions. Increase your daily activity as your body permits. Make sure you adhere to the directions provided by your provider. You may be able to move more freely and comfortably with less discomfort if you receive physical therapy (muscle-strengthening exercises and stretches)

After laminectomy surgery, the majority of patients (70–80%) report great alleviation from back pain and an improvement in their symptoms. The fundamental issue causing the slow deterioration of spinal tissues cannot be resolved by surgery. Your symptoms may therefore reappear. Following a laminectomy procedure, some patients continue to feel pain and their symptoms get worse.

After surgery, speak with your doctor about any symptoms that worry you. Pay close attention to any infections or other major consequences that might be present. If you have any of the following symptoms, always call your provider right away:

• Swelling, redness, or an unpleasant odor close to the incision site
• Swollen or painful legs
• Increasing discomfort at the incision site, in the shoulder, or in the abdomen.
• Fever.
• Breathing or swallowing issues.
• Dizziness.
• Issues with bowel or bladder control.

As people age, a compressed nerve in the spine is a common issue. Serious symptoms could include lower back pain, which could make you depressed or prevent you from having fun. Physical therapy and medication can frequently relieve minor problems. Surgery is a potential solution when other treatments are ineffective. One type of spine surgery, the laminectomy, may help people with chronic back discomfort. Which therapy alternatives are ideal for your circumstance? Ask your provider.

The Deuk Spine Institute encourages and welcomes you to contact us today regarding any questions or concerns you may have regarding your current situation.

​​If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the preceding symptoms outlined, it is imperative to get a FREE Consultation and MRI Review with the Deuk Spine Institute. We can help relieve your pain and get you back to living your life without limitations!