Are you experiencing constant back or neck pain, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs? These symptoms can be overwhelming and affect your daily activities. If conservative treatments haven't provided the relief you need, it might be time to consider a spinal procedure that can address the root of the problem.
At Bone & Joint Specialists Orthopedic & Spine Center, our expert doctors can perform a laminectomy to alleviate spinal nerve compression and bring you much-needed relief. Let us guide you through the process and help you reclaim an active, pain-free life. We treat patients in Merrillville, Highland, Hobart, and other areas in northern Indiana.
What Is a Laminectomy & What Does It Treat?
In a laminectomy surgery, the doctor removes a portion of the vertebral bone called the lamina, which covers the spinal canal. This helps to create more space, reducing pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
What Causes Pressure on the Spine?
Spinal stenosis and herniated discs are two conditions that can affect your spine and create uncomfortable pressure.Â
Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces within your spine become narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a disc between your vertebrae protrudes outward and presses on the spinal nerves.
These conditions can cause symptoms like:
- Pain
- Cramping
- Numbness
- Tingling
You may also experience weakness in various areas, including the neck, shoulders, arms, lower back, or legs, depending on where the issue is located.Â
How Do I Know if I Need a Laminectomy?
While many instances of spinal stenosis or disc herniation can be managed with rest, NSAIDs, physical therapy, or using a back brace, these treatments may not always provide sufficient relief.Â
If your symptoms continue to worsen despite these efforts, you may need a laminectomy. This minimally invasive surgery can alleviate the pressure on your spinal nerves and help you feel better.
The Laminectomy Procedure
Here’s what you can expect during a laminectomy:
- Preparation: You’ll be placed under general anesthesia to ensure you are completely asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
- Incision: Your surgeon will make a small incision in your back over the affected area.
- Muscle and Ligament Retraction: Your muscles and ligaments will be gently moved aside to provide clear access to your spine.
- Imaging Guidance: An imaging device, such as an X-ray, will be used to precisely visualize your vertebrae and identify the problem area.
- Lamina Removal:
- Depending on the extent of the damage, your surgeon may remove the lamina (the part of the vertebra that covers the spinal canal) partially or entirely on both sides of your spine.
- Your surgeon will assess the region and remove any necessary calcified cartilage or spinous processes (the sharp protrusions at the back of each vertebra).
- Debris Removal: Bone spurs and other debris compressing your spinal cord and nerves will be carefully removed.
- Alleviating Compression: By removing these structures, the pressure on your spinal cord and nerves will be alleviated, leading to an improvement in your symptoms.
- Completion: Your incision will be closed, and the procedure, which typically lasts between one to three hours, will be complete.
Why Choose Bone & Joint Specialists Orthopedic & Spine Center?
At Bone & Joint Specialists Orthopedic & Spine Center, you’ll receive top-tier care from a team of highly qualified and experienced surgeons. Our specialists have been recognized as the best in the region for multiple consecutive years and have undergone extensive training at prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital, Rush University, and the University of Illinois.Â
With expertise in a wide range of orthopedic and spine procedures, including minimally invasive techniques and complex joint reconstructions, our team is dedicated to providing you with the best possible outcomes. Whether you’re dealing with a common orthopedic issue or a complex spinal condition, our specialists have the skills and knowledge to help you regain your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Benefits of a Laminectomy?
The primary benefit of a laminectomy is the relief of pressure on the spinal nerves, which can significantly reduce or eliminate pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected areas. This procedure can improve your mobility, enhance your ability to perform daily activities, and increase your quality of life. For many patients, the results are long-lasting and provide sustained relief from debilitating symptoms.
What Are the Risks of a Laminectomy?
As with any spinal surgery, a laminectomy does carry some risks. Potential complications may include post-surgical infection, blood clot formation, breathing issues, nerve damage, and adverse reactions to medication or anesthesia. However, most laminectomy procedures are successful and patients typically experience few, if any, complications.
How Do I Know if I’m a Candidate for a Laminectomy?
You might be a candidate for a laminectomy if you have persistent symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in your back, neck, arms, or legs that haven't improved with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections. Your doctor will evaluate you, including imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, to determine if a laminectomy is the best option for relieving your spinal nerve compression.
What Is Recovery Like After a Laminectomy?
Recovery from a laminectomy often results in significant relief from pain and numbness in the arms or legs caused by stenosis or disc herniation. Typically, you’ll stay in the hospital for a few days following the surgery. During the initial recovery period, you’ll need to limit activities like reaching, bending, and lifting for several weeks. Most individuals can expect to return to work and resume normal activities within approximately three months.
Will I Need Physical Therapy After a Laminectomy?
Yes, physical therapy is a major part of the recovery process after a laminectomy. Physical therapy helps to restore muscle strength, improve flexibility, and promote proper healing. Your physical therapist will create a rehabilitation plan for your specific needs. Following this plan can significantly enhance your recovery and help you return to your normal activities more quickly and safely.
Don’t Let Pain Hold You Back
At Bone & Joint Specialists Orthopedic & Spine Center, our team will help you overcome the pain and discomfort caused by conditions like spinal stenosis and herniated discs. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms and conservative treatments haven’t been effective, it may be time to consider a spinal procedure.
Call us today at 219-795-3360 to schedule a consultation at our locations in northern Indiana. Take the first step towards a healthier, more comfortable life.Â
