A laminectomy is a spinal decompression surgery that involves removal of part of the lamina, which is the back part of the spinal vertebra that covers the spinal canal. The procedure creates more space around the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or surrounding nerves.
Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) is New Jersey’s most comprehensive spine and neurosurgery center, providing a wide range of back and neck pain treatments, including laminectomy. Here, the CNSO team discusses spinal compression and how laminectomy provides relief.
What Is a Laminectomy?
A laminectomy is a type of spine surgery that removes a portion of the lamina, which are the bony arches on the back of the spine. This surgery is done to remove pressure from the adjacent nerves or spinal cord.
Spinal Compression
Compression near the spine can result in cervical or lumbar radiculopathy, which can produce symptoms in the arms and legs resulting in pain, weakness, or numbness. Bone overgrowth, also known as bone spurs, also can result in compression. Bone spurs are a normal side effect of the aging process in some people, particularly patients with arthritis, and may result in neck and lower back pain.
Another common cause of compression is herniated discs. At times, a tumor may even develop near the spine resulting in nerve compression.
About 12 to 40 percent of individuals with low back pain present with lumbar radiculopathy involvement.
Treatment Options for Back or Neck Pain
Some emergency situations, such as loss of bowel or bladder control or progressing muscle weakness that can make standing and walking difficult, require surgical intervention, but a laminectomy usually is not the first treatment option for neck pain, lower back pain, or cervical or lumbar radiculopathy. Even though the procedure is minimally invasive, conservative care typically is performed first. If symptoms are mainly pain, mild weakness, or numbness, medication may be prescribed to address inflammation and physical therapy can be performed to assist with decompression.
An epidural injection will then be considered if the above treatments do not help to resolve symptoms. If conservative methods fail to address the symptoms, then a laminectomy may be appropriate.
The Laminectomy Procedure
A laminectomy involves surgically removing the back part of the spine, the lamina, to open space in the spinal canal to relieve pressure that is being placed on the nerve. For this reason, laminectomies are most successful in treating radicular symptoms. It is reported that most patients who undergo a laminectomy have a significant reduction in pain and disability.
A team of specialists including neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, pain management specialists, physician assistants, and physical therapists will perform a complete history and physical exam to identify the nature and location from which the pain is emanating. The physical exam can include range of motion and strength testing, palpation to locate the point of pain, and neurological testing to determine the level of nerve compression and the impact the condition is having on function and daily activities. X-ray, MRI, or CT scan imaging also can be used to confirm the location and severity of canal narrowing in the spine.
Find Outstanding Back and Neck Treatments at CNSO
The dedicated surgical and non-surgical team at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine, and Orthopedics (CNSO) understands how back problems and joint pain can impact daily life. By working with recognized board-certified neurosurgeons, non-surgical physicians, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, and certified physical therapists, patients will receive comprehensive and coordinated care so they can resume a healthy, less painful lifestyle free from disability. CNSO offers multiple convenient locations spanning northern New Jersey from Passaic County to Morris County and nearby towns including Clifton, Jersey City, and Parsippany, NJ. To learn more about laminectomy and other treatment options available, contact CNSO today.
