Laminectomy
Laminectomy
A laminectomy, also known as decompression surgery, is a common procedure used to treat arthritis and other conditions that place pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, such as stenosis. With many patients reporting a strong success rate even a decade after the procedure, a laminectomy can improve mobility and quality of life for years on end. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis can identify whether a laminectomy can resolve your spine health and provide the expert touch you need for long-lasting results. To learn more, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
A laminectomy, also known as decompression surgery, is a common procedure used to treat arthritis and other conditions that place pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, such as stenosis. With many patients reporting a strong success rate even a decade after the procedure, a laminectomy can improve mobility and quality of life for years on end. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis can identify whether a laminectomy can resolve your spine health and provide the expert touch you need for long-lasting results. To learn more, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
Laminectomy Q & A
What is a laminectomy?
A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that helps relieve pressure on the spinal cord. During the procedure, the lamina, the piece of bone on the back of your spine that covers your spinal canal, is removed, along with excess ligament, to relieve the pressure.
Why are laminectomies performed?
Laminectomies are primarily a treatment for conditions that cause spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column that places pressure on the spinal cord and nerves within the spine. Some of the most common reasons this might be necessary include:
- Age-related shrinking of the discs of the spine
- Arthritis of the spine
- Tumors in the spine
- Traumatic injuries that affect the spine
- Herniated discs
- Congenital spinal defects
Pressure on the spinal cord can cause a range of symptoms, including back pain, numbness or weakness in the legs, problems walking, and issues controlling bladder or bowel movements. ?
What can I expect during a laminectomy?
During your laminectomy, ?you will be placed under general anesthesia, so you will be unconscious for the procedure. After you are asleep, a small incision is made in your back and the muscles are moved away from the vertebrae to be operated on.
The lamina is then removed using several small instruments. If your laminectomy is necessary for reasons related to a herniated disc, he might also remove the herniated portion of your affected disc.
Once your surgery is complete, you will be moved to a recovery room to make sure there are no complications. In many cases, you will be able to return home the same day as your surgery.
How long is laminectomy recovery?
Generally, you should expect to take a few weeks off from work to allow your back to recover. During this time, ?physical therapy is often recommended to improve back strength and flexibility as you recover.
If you needed a spinal fusion during your laminectomy, you might need a longer recovery period. Full recovery from spinal fusion can take 1-3 months.
If you?re suffering from back pain and think spinal stenosis might be the cause, let Dr. Dennis help. Call the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, to schedule your consultation or book online.
Our Other Services
Back Pain
Back pain is the third most common reason people visit the doctor’s office, and it’s thought that nearly 80% of the world’s population will experience some form of back pain in their lives. Back pain is also one of the most common reasons for missed work, even though most cases of back pain are treatable or preventable. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis has decades of experience in diagnosing and treating back pain, mixing the latest state-of-the-art treatment options with tried-and-true knowledge. If you suffer from back pain, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
Discectomy
While a severely herniated disc can hinder your ability to move and leave you in great pain, the procedure to remove a herniated disc, called a discectomy, is one of the most successful types of back surgery. Luckily, Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, is here to help you figure out if a discectomy is right for you. To learn more, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or request an appointment online.
Herniated Disc
While we often associate herniated discs with pain and immobility, the condition is quite common, and many people with a herniated disc exhibit no symptoms. When a herniated disc is particularly severe, however, you might need medical attention to relieve pain and restore function. Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California has decades of experience treating spinal issues and can provide the spinal care you need to get you back on your feet. To learn more, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
Neck Pain
Neck pain comes in just after back pain as one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, with up to 70% of all adults expected to suffer from neck pain at some point in their lives. The prevalence of this pain also seems to be growing, making proper diagnosis and treatment all the more important. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis has extensive experiencing identifying the root cause of your neck pain and providing treatment that lasts. If you?re suffering from chronic neck pain, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
Sciatica
It’s thought that up to 10% of back pain sufferers have sciatica, a condition caused when pressure or other conditions irritate the sciatic nerve. This pain can radiate along your hips and legs, disrupting your ability to move or even relax comfortably. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis offers fast, effective diagnosis and treatment for this common source of pain. If you think you suffer from sciatica, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book it online.
Spinal Fusion
As instances of back pain and spinal stenosis continue to grow in the United States, so too does the need for spinal surgery treatment. Thankfully, spinal fusion can be a safe and highly effective treatment for many types of back pain. If you’re interested in learning more about whether spinal fusion is right for you, don’t hesitate to call Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California or book an appointment online.
Spine Surgery
Traditional spine surgery has long been performed as an open surgery that often placed great stress on the body and required a lengthy recovery period. In more recent years, innovations in medical technology and techniques have allowed surgeons to perform safer, minimally invasive procedures to correct certain spinal problems. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis takes full advantage of this new technology to provide patients with the highest care possible with a faster recovery. To learn more, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
Our Services
Neck Pain
Neck pain comes in just after back pain as one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, with up to 70% of all adults...
Back Pain
Back pain is the third most common reason people visit the doctor's office, and it's thought that nearly 80% of the world's population...
Herniated Disc
While a severely herniated disc can hinder While we often associate herniated discs with pain and immobility, the condition...
Sciatica
It's thought that up to 10% of back pain sufferers have sciatica, a condition caused when pressure or other conditions irritate...
Steven C. Dennis, MD
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