Types of Laminectomy Procedure
The first factor at play in laminectomy recovery time is the type of laminectomy. There are several variations of the procedure, depending on which part of the spine requires treatment:
- Cervical laminectomy: This procedure targets pain in the cervical region or neck.
- Thoracic laminectomy: This surgery focuses on pain in the thoracic region or the section of the upper back that supports the rib cage.
- Lumbar laminectomy: This procedure treats pain in the lumbar region or the lower back.
A lumbar laminectomy is the most common variation. Because the lumbar spine is highly mobile and supports the most weight, it also takes the longest to heal. By comparison, cervical and thoracic laminectomies tend to have shorter recovery periods.
Open or Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Open surgery is the traditional approach to a laminectomy. It involves creating a large incision through skin, muscle, and soft tissue to fully expose the section of the spine to be operated on. NU-Spine, however, prioritizes minimally invasive spine surgery when possible. This innovative method uses advanced tools, such as dilators and an endoscopic camera, to work through a smaller incision without cutting through muscle. This provides several benefits:
- Reduced bleeding
- Less post-surgical pain
- Less risk of infection and other complications
- An easier healing process
Minimally invasive procedures also offer shorter recovery times. Patients can go home from the hospital sooner, and they heal faster than with open surgery.
Other Procedures Performed
While a laminectomy may be performed by itself, it is not always the only surgery needed. Laminectomy surgery is often done alongside other procedures to fully address pain or to stabilize the spine. Procedures commonly performed with laminectomy include:
- Discectomy: The surgeon removes most or all of a herniated spinal disc.
- Disc replacement: The surgeon replaces a removed disc with an artificial implant.
- Spinal fusion: The surgeon uses plates and a bone graft to fuse vertebrae together.
The estimated recovery period for laminectomy is between four to eight weeks. If a discectomy or spinal fusion is involved, however, this may take much longer. Spinal fusion can take up to six months to heal completely, and new bone may not finish growing for up to two years.
Age and Physical Fitness
The procedure itself is not the only factor in determining recovery times. The patient’s overall health also plays a role. Every person’s body is unique, affecting how well they bounce back from all kinds of events – including sickness, injury, and surgery.
In general, young patients who follow a healthy lifestyle heal faster. A nutritionally complete diet provides the body with the materials it needs to repair itself, and strong circulation helps it deliver those materials to where they are needed. Healthier individuals also have a strong immune response to fight off infection. In contrast, older people typically have slower cell regeneration and may take longer to recover. Smoking, alcohol use, and a poor diet may also slow the healing process.
Following Recovery Instructions
Finally, patients can ensure a faster recovery by following the surgeon’s directions for at-home care. His instructions may include:
- Restricting strenuous activities for several weeks
- Avoiding twisting or bending movements in the spine
- Walking daily to promote blood circulation
- Wearing a supportive brace
- Protecting incisions with a surgical dressing
- Avoiding bathing, swimming, and hot tubs until the incision has healed
- Monitoring the incision site for signs of infection
- Participating in physical therapy to rebuild strength
If patients do not follow recovery instructions, they risk reinjury, infection, and other complications. Not only do these lead to more pain and hospital visits, but they also interfere with healing. For this reason, it is essential to follow all recovery instructions as they are given.
Find Spine Pain Relief Near You in New Jersey
Ultimately, there is no universal recovery time for laminectomy. Instead, the healing process varies depending on the type of procedure, the patient’s overall health condition, and how well they adhere to recovery instructions. Understanding this can help patients stay confident and avoid impatience while recovering from a laminectomy.
If a patient wishes to learn more about their upcoming surgery and recovery, they can speak with Dr. Branko Skovrlj. He is the leading neurosurgeon at NU-Spine and is world-renowned for his work. He also treats patients with compassion and a down-to-earth attitude. He can help people understand what to expect from laminectomy recovery, including the projected recovery time for their unique case.
Though it takes time to recover from laminectomy surgery, the results are worth the wait. Many patients experience significant relief after their procedure and can return to the activities they loved before their pain developed. Contact NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute to learn more about the benefits of a laminectomy or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.