Laminectomy
Laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a surgeon removes part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina). This helps ease pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots that may be caused by injury, herniated disk, narrowing of the canal (spinal stenosis), or tumors.
Why might I need one?
Low back or neck pain can range from mild, dull, and annoying to persistent, severe, and disabling. Pain in the spine can restrict your ability to move and function. Laminectomy may be done to ease pressure on the spinal nerves, treat a disk problem, or remove a tumor from the spine. One common reason for having a laminectomy is a herniated disk in the spine.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
- If medical treatments no longer work, surgery may be a choice. Some medical treatments for pain may include:
- Changes in activity
- Medicines, such as muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medicines, and pain relievers
- Spinal injections
- Physical rehabilitation, physical therapy, or both
- Occupational therapy