Lumbar Laminectomy

What Is Lumbar Laminectomy?

Lumbar laminectomy is a procedure that involves removing bone to relieve excess pressure on the spinal nerve(s) in the lower back or lumbar spine. Laminectomy removes the roof of the vertebrae to allow space for nerves exiting the spine. A lumbar laminectomy can relieve chronic lower back pain and leg pain that radiates.

Who needs lumbar laminectomy?

When your spinal canal gradually narrows, it causes a condition called spinal stenosis. Narrowing occurs as your facet joints and discs degenerate. Arthritic facet joints can enlarge, decreasing space for nerve roots. Sometimes bone spurs protrude into the spinal canal. They put pressure on nerve roots, which causes back pain, pain radiating to the hips, buttocks and legs, plus numbness, tingling and muscle weakness in the back or legs and feet.

We relieve pressure on spinal nerves by removing anything that is causing pressure. Your spine specialist will examine your back and may order an X-ray, CT scan or MRI of your spine. We typically recommend lumbar laminectomy after conservative treatments with medication, rest and physical therapy fail to relieve symptoms. We sometimes perform lumbar laminectomy together with spinal fusion surgery. The surgeon places bone grafts between affected vertebrae to promote bone growth and fusion. Once fusion occurs, the spine becomes stabilized.

How long does it take to recover from lumbar laminectomy?

After lumbar laminectomy, you may feel immediate improvement in some or all of your symptoms. Some symptoms improve gradually. Expect to be up and walking by the end of the first day after spine surgery. The length of your recovery will depend on several factors, including your overall condition, the nature of your procedure and your body’s ability to heal.

If you are one of the many people suffering from neck pain, chronic lower back pain, scoliosis, sciatica or another spine-related condition, you will be in great hands at Connecticut Back Center (CBC). CBC was founded by Jesse Eisler, MD, PhD, in 2005 and with offices in Vernon and Bloomfield, CT serves the Greater Hartford and Central Connecticut area. Our mission is to provide accurate, responsive and effective spinal care with comprehensive non-surgical and surgical treatments for the full spectrum of spinal disorders. Our goal is always to reduce your pain, increase your flexibility and help you resume an active life after treatment. To learn more about your treatment options, give us a call at (860) 253-2714 or request an appointment online now.