For Back Pain Relief

A Laminectomy is one of the most common back surgeries. Also known as decompression surgery, it is done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. During this procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of one or more vertebrae (called the lamina), bone spurs, disk fragments and other soft tissue. The lamina functions is a protective coating over the spinal canal that protects the nerve roots that branch off of the spinal cord, as well as the nerve roots as they exit the spine. Removing all or part of the lamina can give the affected nerve root more space and a better healing environment.

In some cases, spinal fusion may be done simultaneously to help stabilize sections of the spine, either by using the bone to make a bridge between adjacent vertebrae or by using metal implants (rods, hooks, screws, etc.) to secure the vertebrae together until new bone grows between them.

The Laminectomy method chosen depends on:

• Age
• Health condition
• Location (lower back vs beck)
• Severity of nerve root pressure and symptom
• Surgeon’s experience

Spinal fusion may 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 cord.