Laminectomy

If you've been dealing with chronic back or neck pain, leg weakness, or numbness, and conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections haven’t provided the relief you need, talk to the experienced orthopedic surgeons at Anchor Spine & Joint about a laminectomy. This spinal surgery is a well-established procedure that can provide significant relief when other treatments haven't worked. If you’re struggling with lingering pain, call the nearest office in Tampa, Riverview, Odessa, Pinellas Park, or Lutz, Florida, or schedule your consultation online today.

What is a laminectomy?

A laminectomy is a type of spinal decompression surgery. The lamina is a thin layer of bone that forms part of your vertebra. Over time, whether due to arthritis, an acute injury, or other disc problems, the lamina can press on your nerves and cause pain or other concerning symptoms.

Call the Anchor Spine & Joint team if you experience problems like:

• Chronic, radiating pain in your back, neck, legs, or arms (sciatica is an example)
• Weakness or numbness that limits your mobility
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Difficulty standing or walking due to nerve compression
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness

A laminectomy eases pain by removing all or part of the lamina to create more space in the spinal canal and relieve pressure causing the problem.

Can I benefit from a laminectomy?

If you have nerve compression that hasn't improved with conservative treatments, a laminectomy might meet your needs. Some of the most common conditions that lead to a laminectomy include:

• Spinal stenosis
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative spine disease
• Tumors or infections

Not everyone with back pain needs surgery, but a laminectomy offers hope when nerve pressure takes a toll on your quality of life or daily function.

What happens during a laminectomy?

Laminectomies usually take 1-3 hours, depending on complexity. During your surgery, your surgeon makes a small incision over the affected area of the spine and moves muscles and tissues aside to access the vertebrae.

Your surgeon carefully removes obstructions to open up the spinal canal. In some cases, they may combine the procedure with a spinal fusion to stabilize the spine.

What is recovery like after a laminectomy?

You rest in a recovery room as the anesthesia wears off, and may be able to sit up and walk with assistance within a few hours. Stiffness and soreness are typical, and you can manage pain with medications.

For recovery, avoid bending, lifting, or twisting for several weeks. Walking and light activity help prevent stiffness and blood clots. Your provider may recommend a back brace.

You can start physical therapy after a few weeks. Most patients quickly notice a significant reduction in their pain, but full recovery usually takes 6-12 weeks.

If you’re dealing with ongoing spinal pain, weakness, or mobility issues, talk to your provider at Anchor Spine & Joint. You can schedule a consultation by calling the nearest office today or booking conveniently online.