Laminectomy / Decompression

Spinal decompression is done in cases where the spinal canal is narrowed either due to thickening of the ligaments or tissues around the spinal cord or due to some deformity caused by prior infection or injury. Narrowing of the spinal canal cause pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Pain, weakness in legs, numbness and pain radiating to legs are the common symptoms.

This is commonly seen in the lower back or the lumber spine. Lumber canal stenosis pain if not relieved with non-surgical methods like exercise, life style modification, weight loss may need surgical decompression. Spinal decompression is a wider term which includes various surgical procedures like corpectomy, laminectomy or foraminotomy. Laminectomy is commonest method of surgical decompression of the spine to relieve the pressure over spinal cord by cutting and removing the lamina of the vertebra. It is like removing the lid of a pressured container, it relieves the pressure but doesn’t damage or weaken the spine.

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FAQs

Is Spinal Decompression major surgery?

Spinal decompression is major surgery as it is done in the vicinity of very important structures in the spine. It must be done by qualified and sufficiently trained spine surgeons.

How successful is spinal decompression surgery?

Decompression surgery of the spine has very good results and more than 90% of the patients feel significant relief from pain within a day of surgery.

What is the recovery time for spinal decompression surgery?

Recovery from spinal decompression or laminectomy depends on the severity and area of compression of the spinal cord. In most cases patients start walking the same evening of the surgery. The patient can resume his/her desk job within 10 days.

What happens after lumbar decompression surgery?

Lumbar canal stenosis can recur in patients a few years after surgery due to growth tissues around the laminectomy site or thickening of ligaments at adjacent vertebra.

What are the side effects of spinal decompression?

Laminectomy or spinal decompression may not relieve pain and other symptoms. This is common in cases where the pain is due to some other reason. Other side effects may be bleeding, infection, nerve injury, paralysis.

How should I sleep after back surgery?

In laminectomy stabilizing structures of the spine is not disturbed. Hence there is no weakness in the spinal column. A patient can sleep in whatever position that is comfortable.

Does bone grow back after laminectomy?

Whole of the lamina bone is removed which leaves vacant space for the soft tissues to cover the spinal cord.

Does a laminectomy weaken your spine?

The amount of tissue including bone is very less and doesn’t lead to any significant decrease in strength of the spinal column. Though pre-existing weakness of the spine due to arthritis, infection, or degenerative changes may exacerbate. For this reason, at times surgeon may stabilize the spine with screws and rods.

What are the restrictions after a laminectomy?

Some strenuous activities like heavy weight lifting and contact sports should be avoided for few weeks or as suggested by the doctor.

How long do you stay in hospital after a laminectomy?

Hospital stay is usually not required for more than a couple of days.

How soon can you walk after a laminectomy?

As soon as the pain is relieved, a patient can start walking. Usually patient walks on the same day of laminectomy.

Can you climb upstairs after back surgery?

Use of stairs need to be avoided for few days after spinal decompression.

Is a laminectomy an outpatient surgery?

Laminectomy is a major surgical procedure and it is advised patient stay in the hospital for at least a day after surgery for pain relief.

What is the difference between a laminectomy and a laminotomy?

Laminectomy and Laminotomy both are done to decompress the spinal cord. When the lamina is partially removed it is called Laminotomy and when the whole of the lamina is removed it is called Laminectomy.

How long do I have to wear a back brace after a laminectomy?

Wearing a lumbar belt or a back brace is required for few days only after Laminectomy.

What is non-surgical spinal decompression?

Non- surgical decompression of the spine is done while applying traction to the lumbar region over attraction belt or brace.

How does non-surgical spinal decompression work?

Motorised or manual traction to lower back creates negative pressure in the herniated or protruded disc, which is sucked in.

Does non-surgical spinal decompression work?

There is limited evidence-based research to confirm if non-surgical spinal decompression works. Nonetheless, it can be tried before undergoing the knife.