SERVICES
Lumbar Spine Decompression
BRAIN
SPINAL CORD
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
What is lumbar spine decompression surgery?
Lumbar spine decompression is surgery to treat lower back pain as a result of pressure on the nerves in the lumbar spine. Decompression surgery is highly recommended when conservative remedies fail to relieve pain, and a numb sensation develops in the legs.
Lumbar spine decompression treats the following conditions:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column constricts and therefore increases pressure on the spinal nerves.
- A herniated disc contributing to sciatica occurs when an injured disc presses against the nerves of the spine.
- Spinal trauma includes several injuries causing fractures, swollen spinal tissue and spinal cord damage.
- Increased spinal cord pressure due to metastasised cancer arises from another region of the body and transgresses to the spine.
What does lumbar spine decompression involve?
A spine surgeon performs either of these procedures:
- Laminectomy is the surgical resection of a portion of bone from the vertebrae to ease nerve pressure.
- Discectomy is the dissection of an injured disc to reduce pressure on spinal nerves.
- Spinal fusion is a procedure whereby both ends of the vertebrae are fused to reinforce the spine.
At times, if necessary, surgeries are combined for lasting results. In most cases, after performing a laminectomy, a spine surgeon carries out spinal fusion to strengthen the vertebral body. Lumbar decompression surgery takes place under general anaesthetic, so the patient remains sedated throughout the procedure. The procedure does not last longer than an hour, but this depends on the complexity of the patient's condition and the surgery undergone.
How long does it take to recover?
Within four days, the patient can leave the hospital but again, this depends on the procedure the spine surgeon initiates. Usually, people can begin walking without any assistance after surgery, but strenuous exercise must be discontinued for at least six weeks.
After lumbar decompression surgery, many people notice a significant improvement in their level of pain. In addition, the patient’s mobility is improved.
What is lumbar spine decompression surgery?
Lumbar spine decompression is surgery to treat lower back pain as a result of pressure on the nerves in the lumbar spine. Decompression surgery is highly recommended when conservative remedies fail to relieve pain, and a numb sensation develops in the legs.
Lumbar spine decompression treats the following conditions:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column constricts and therefore increases pressure on the spinal nerves.
- A herniated disc contributing to sciatica occurs when an injured disc presses against the nerves of the spine.
- Spinal trauma includes several injuries causing fractures, swollen spinal tissue and spinal cord damage.
- Increased spinal cord pressure due to metastasised cancer arises from another region of the body and transgresses to the spine.
What does lumbar spine decompression involve?
A spine surgeon performs either of these procedures:
- Laminectomy is the surgical resection of a portion of bone from the vertebrae to ease nerve pressure.
- Discectomy is the dissection of an injured disc to reduce pressure on spinal nerves.
- Spinal fusion is a procedure whereby both ends of the vertebrae are fused to reinforce the spine.
At times, if necessary, surgeries are combined for lasting results. In most cases, after performing a laminectomy, a spine surgeon carries out spinal fusion to strengthen the vertebral body. Lumbar decompression surgery takes place under general anaesthetic, so the patient remains sedated throughout the procedure. The procedure does not last longer than an hour, but this depends on the complexity of the patient's condition and the surgery undergone.
How long does it take to recover?
Within four days, the patient can leave the hospital but again, this depends on the procedure the spine surgeon initiates. Usually, people can begin walking without any assistance after surgery, but strenuous exercise must be discontinued for at least six weeks.
After lumbar decompression surgery, many people notice a significant improvement in their level of pain. In addition, the patient’s mobility is improved.