What Is a Laminectomy?
A laminectomy is a type of spinal decompression surgery that relies on a minimally invasive technique to relieve pressure from the spinal cord and nerve roots. A laminectomy can be performed on the cervical spine when compression issues are present in the neck, or the lumbar region in the lower back. This procedure relies on removing bone spurs or tissue that put pressure on the nerve roots, most commonly by removing a piece of the lamina, a bone on the spine.
Who Is a Candidate for a Laminectomy?
The ideal candidate for a laminectomy is typically someone experiencing significant back pain or neurological symptoms due to spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or other conditions that compress the spinal cord or nerves. Candidates often suffer from persistent pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs or arms that has not improved with conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication. Generally, patients are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure, making them well-suited for this surgery to relieve pressure and restore function.
The Laminectomy Procedure
During a laminectomy, you will be put under general anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and do not feel a thing during the procedure. The renowned surgeons at SpineCare of NY use a minimally invasive technique to perform each laminectomy, which starts by making a small incision over the affected vertebrae. The muscles and tissue covering your spine are gently moved out of the way before your surgeon removes any bone spurs using small surgical tools. Next, they will remove the smallest piece of lamina necessary to relieve pressure on your spinal cord and nerve roots. To complete your laminectomy, your surgeon will close your incisions before moving you into a recovery room for monitoring.
Laminectomy Results and Recovery
A laminectomy can lead to significant improvements in symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. Patients often experience a reduction in these symptoms shortly after the surgery, with many reporting enhanced mobility and quality of life. Recovery from a laminectomy typically involves a period of rest, physical therapy, and gradual return to normal activities. Most individuals experience noticeable improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks to months, although full recovery may take several months as the spine heals and strengthens.
Schedule a Consultation
At SpineCare of NY, we are dedicated to providing exceptional spine care so you can experience the relief you deserve. Through our affiliation with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the number one ranked orthopedic hospital in the United States, we offer unparalleled access to cutting-edge treatments and advanced technology. To learn more about if a laminectomy procedure can help relieve you of your pain, schedule a consultation by filling out an online contact form today.
SpineCare of NY is located at 523 East 72nd Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10021.
If you are an existing or past patient, please use the Patient Portal to communicate with us.
Please note: This form is for NEW patients only and should be used strictly for administrative messages. DO NOT TRANSMIT personal, confidential health information, i.e., your insurance ID #. Thank you.