Lumbar Decompression

Your spine needs room to function, but age-related changes can gradually narrow the spaces where nerves travel, leading to painful compression. Lumbar decompression surgery creates more space for your nerves by removing bone, ligaments, or other tissues that crowd your spinal canal. The orthopedic surgeons at Anchor Spine & Joint in Tampa, Riverview, Odessa, Pinellas Park, and Lutz, Florida, use decompression techniques to help patients find relief from back and leg pain. Call your nearest office or schedule online to learn how decompression surgery might help restore your mobility.

What is lumbar decompression surgery? 

Lumbar decompression surgery removes pressure from compressed nerves in the lower back. Many problems can squeeze your spinal nerves, including herniated discs, bone spurs, thickened ligaments, spinal stenosis, or other degenerative changes that develop over time.

​​What are the different types of lumbar decompression? 

Your surgeon selects the specific technique based on the cause of your nerve compression and its location. The most effective types of lumbar decompression include:

Laminectomy 

This procedure removes part or all of the lamina (the bony roof over your spinal canal) to create more space for your spinal cord and nerves. 

Laminotomy 

A laminotomy is a more targeted procedure that removes a small portion of the lamina to relieve pressure on one side of the spine. 

Foraminotomy 

This surgery enlarges the foramina (the openings where nerve roots exit the spine) by removing bone spurs or other tissue. 

Discectomy 

During this procedure, your surgeon removes herniated disc material pressing on nearby nerves. 

Who benefits from lumbar decompression surgery? 

Lumbar decompression helps when nerve irritation in your lower back causes symptoms that interfere with daily life. You might be a candidate if you experience:

• Back pain that spreads into your buttocks or legs
• Leg pain, cramping, or sciatica when walking or standing
• Numbness or tingling in your legs or feet
• Leg weakness that affects your balance or walking
• Difficulty standing or walking for extended periods

Your surgeon may recommend surgery if conservative treatments, like physical therapy, medications, and injections, don’t bring you relief to function normally.

What happens during lumbar decompression surgery? 

Your surgeon chooses the specific technique based on what’s compressing your nerves and uses general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or an epidural to perform the procedure. Next, they remove tissue pressing on your spinal canal, including portions of thickened ligaments, bone spurs, disc material, or parts of vertebrae. 

What is recovery like after lumbar decompression surgery? 

The Anchor Spine & Joint team encourages walking and moving around the day after surgery, and most people go home within a few days. 

You can return to light desk work within several weeks, while more physical jobs require additional recovery time. Many people notice their leg pain improves quickly after surgery, though back soreness around the incision site is normal during the initial  weeks of healing.

Contact Anchor Spine & Joint to discuss how decompression surgery gives you the freedom of movement you’re missing.