A pinched lumbar nerve causes debilitating pain and neurological dysfunction. Fortunately, a surgical solution is possible if the source of the pain can be found.
NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is a state-of-the-art pain center near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania. We offer a wide range of surgical procedures for patients with spine conditions in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Here, we explain how medical imaging is used to pinpoint the source of stenosis and plan a lumbar laminectomy or lumbar foraminotomy to provide long-term relief.
Key Takeaways
- Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal or foramen. The narrowed passage creates pressure on the spinal cord or root nerves, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Lumbar laminectomy is used to treat spinal stenosis, or a narrowed spinal canal.
- Lumbar foraminotomy is used to treat foraminal stenosis, or a narrowed foramen.
- Medical imaging, such as X-Ray, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, is used to pinpoint the source of the patient’s pain and select the most appropriate procedure.
What Is Stenosis?
Stenosis is the abnormal narrowing of an opening or vessel in the body. As the opening tightens, it creates pressure on tissues, particularly nerves, that pass through it. This can restrict the flow of information along those nerve pathways. There are two types of stenosis that occur in the spine, differentiated by where the narrowing occurs:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis: The narrowing occurs in the spinal canal, constricting the spinal cord.
- Lumbar foraminal stenosis: The narrowing occurs in the foramen, or the small opening between vertebrae, and constricts root nerves.
Causes of Stenosis
Some cases of stenosis are congenital, or present from birth. For most patients, however, stenosis is caused by a degenerative condition or injury. Conditions that often cause stenosis include:
- Bone spurs: Damage from lumbar degenerative joint disease (arthritis) can cause abnormal bone growths that push into the spinal canal or foramen.
- Lumbar herniated discs: If a spinal disc is damaged, then its soft core may bulge through the weakened wall and into the spinal canal or foramen.
- Injury: A spine injury, such as a sprain, may cause inflamed soft tissues or thickened ligaments, which can both create pressure on spinal nerves.
What Is a Lumbar Laminectomy?
Lumbar laminectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the lamina. The lamina is the back portion of the vertebra, or spinal bone, that provides support for the spinal cord. A laminectomy removes most or all of this section. A laminectomy is used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis. By removing the lamina, the surgeon creates extra space around the spinal cord. This eliminates compression and restores normal function to effectively relieve nerve pain.
What Is a Lumbar Foraminotomy?
Lumbar foraminotomy is a surgical procedure to widen the foramen. Using techniques similar to those used in a laminectomy, the surgeon carefully removes bone from around the foramen to create a wider opening. A foraminotomy is used to treat lumbar foraminal stenosis. Expanding the foramen reduces pressure on the root nerves and allows them to function normally.
The Role of Medical Imaging in Surgery Planning
While spinal stenosis and foraminal stenosis have different points of origin, their symptoms are the same. As a result, it is impossible to provide an accurate diagnosis with a physical examination alone. Medical imaging is necessary to determine which condition is causing the patient’s pain. Three types of medical imaging may be used to examine the spine:
- X-Ray: X-rays use radiation to create images of the inside of the body. The radiation is absorbed by hard structures, making X-rays ideal for examining bones.
- Computed tomography (CT): CT scans combine multiple X-ray images to create a three-dimensional model. It allows physicians to examine the spine from all angles.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) : MRI scans use strong magnets to create cross-sectional images. While less effective for skeletal structures, they are ideal for imaging soft tissues, including nerves.
Imaging results help the surgeon pinpoint the source of nerve compression. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, it is possible to select the procedure that is most appropriate to the patient’s needs. Imaging also helps surgeons personalize the treatment, planning their approach from start to finish to ensure the best possible outcome.
Find Relief from Nerve Pain Near You at NU-Spine
Don’t let nerve impingement get in the way of your lifestyle. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments, including lumbar laminectomy and lumbar foraminotomy, at a state-of-the-art pain center near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.
FAQ About Lumbar Laminectomy vs. Foraminotomy
When should I talk to a doctor about surgery?
Talk to a doctor about surgery if you experience shooting pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the buttocks or legs, especially if it does not get better with conservative treatments.
Can a laminectomy and foraminotomy be done together in one surgery?
Yes, both procedures can be performed together if necessary to relieve nerve compression.
Will either type of surgery limit my spine motion or activity long-term?
Lumbar laminectomy sometimes requires spinal fusion to restabilize the spine. If fusion is required, then you may have reduced lower back mobility.
Who performs spine surgeries at NU-Spine?
At NU-Spine, surgeries are performed by outstanding neurosurgeons, Dr. Branko Skovrlj and Dr. Robert J. Rothrock.