In the lumbar region of the lower back, lumbar decompression surgery is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Generally speaking, it is recommended when conservative treatments (drugs, injections, physical therapy) fail to alleviate chronic pain, numbness, or paralysis caused by nerve compression.
Common Indications for Surgery-Free
Patients may need lumbar decompression if they have any of the symptoms listed below:
- persistent sciatica, or lower back pain that travels down the legs and buttocks.
- Foot and leg weakness, tingling, or numbness.
- The incapacity to walk or stand for long stretches.
- A medical emergency is cauda equina syndrome, which is the inability to regulate one's bowels or bladder.
Lumbar Decompression's Treatment of Conditions
- Nerves are compressed by disc material in a herniated disc.
- Spinal Stenosis: The spinal canal narrows.
- Degenerative disc disease is a condition where wear and tear compresses nerves.
- Slippage of the vertebrae is known as spondylolisthesis.
- Overgrowth that compresses nerves is known as bone spurs (Osteophytes).
Surgery Types for Lumbar Decompression
1. The procedure known as microdiscectomy
- Eliminates a herniated disc segment that is causing nerve irritation.
- Less invasive—little incision, fast healing.
2. Laminectomy
- The lamina, the bone roof of the spinal canal, is partially removed to provide space.
- Utilized in spinal stenosis situations.
3. A laminotomy
- Laminectomy is more intrusive than partial lamina removal.
4. Foraminotomy
- Allows constricted nerves to be released by releasing the foramina, or nerve exit apertures.
5. Spinal fusion, where instability is present
- Often used when vertebrae are unstable in combination with decompression.
- Uses rods or screws to hold up the spine.
