A lumbar laminectomy is surgery to ease pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves of the lower spine. This is also called decompression surgery. The doctor makes a cut in the lower back. This cut is called an incision. Then the doctor takes out pieces of bone that are squeezing the spinal cord and nerves. The doctor may also take out other tissues.
Many people have less pain soon after surgery. But your back may feel stiff and sore for a few months.
Depending on the type of surgery you have, and your health, you may go home the same day. Or you may stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 days. You will likely return to work in 2 to 4 weeks. But if your job requires physical labor, it may take 4 to 8 weeks.
Surgery for spinal stenosis usually is elective. But the doctor might recommend it if symptoms can't be relieved with nonsurgical treatment.
Research shows that:
But symptoms may return after several years. Some people may need a second surgery if:
Spinal fusion may be done at the same time as laminectomy. Spinal fusion may help to stabilize sections of the spine that have been treated with laminectomy. In general, fusion is only done if an area of the spine is unstable. This means that the bones of the spine (vertebrae) move too much or don't move in a normal way. This extra movement causes wear and tear on the nerves or other soft tissues, leading to irritation and pain. The goal of fusion is to keep the damaged bones in the spine from moving so that the soft tissues are protected.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Complications from spinal stenosis surgery may depend on what other medical problems you have and how severe your spinal problem is. Also, all surgery poses risks of complications. These complications may be more serious in an older adult.
Possible complications include:
If you have diabetes or circulation problems or if you smoke, you may be at greater risk for complications.
Depending on your health and the extent of the surgery, it may take 2 to 4 weeks to return to work. But if your job requires physical labor, it may take 4 to 8 weeks.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
A lumbar laminectomy is surgery to ease pressure on the spinal cord and nerves of the lower spine. The doctor took out pieces of bone that were squeezing the spinal cord and nerves.
You can expect your back to feel stiff or sore after surgery. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long.
Your doctor may advise you to work with a physical therapist to strengthen the muscles around your spine and trunk. You will need to learn how to lift, twist, and bend so that you don't put too much strain on your back.
Surgery for spinal stenosis is considered when:
The decision to have surgery is not based on imaging test results alone. Even if the results of imaging tests show increased pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots, the decision to have surgery also depends on how severe your symptoms are and whether you're able to do normal daily activities.
In some cases, spinal fusion will be done at the same time to stabilize the spine. Spinal fusion might make it easier for you to move around (improve function) and relieve your pain. It can also help keep the bones from moving into positions that squeeze the spinal canal and put pressure on the spinal nerve roots.
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