Lumbar Decompression

What Is Lumbar Decompression?

Lumbar decompression is a surgical procedure to remove intrusions into the spinal canal. The spinal canal is a channel through the center of the spine that houses the spinal cord. Surrounded by hard bone on all sides, it provides protection and support for the spinal cord and root nerves. If the spinal canal becomes narrowed, however, the spinal cord may become compressed.

By creating additional space around the spinal cord, the surgeon relieves compression and allows nerves to function normally without damage. This provides immediate and long-lasting relief for pain and other symptoms of compression. Patients who receive lumbar decompression can get back to the active, pain-free lifestyles they enjoyed before their symptoms began.

What Does Lumbar Decompression Treat?

Lumbar decompression is a treatment for lumbar stenosis. This condition is characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal that creates pressure on the lower spinal cord. There are multiple conditions that can cause stenosis. Most cases are caused by bone spurs, or bony growths that extend into the spinal canal. These growths may result from old injuries or as a natural consequence of aging. Other conditions that may cause stenosis include:

• Lumbar spondylosis (lower back arthritis)
• Lumbar herniated disc
• Lumbar slipped disc
• Lumbar degenerative disc disease
• Thickened ligaments

Stenosis causes a range of symptoms, including sciatica, weakness in the legs or feet, numbness, and loss of bowel or bladder control. These symptoms can disrupt everyday life. Medical treatment is necessary to relieve pain and restore quality of life.

What Are the Alternatives to Lumbar Decompression?

Most lumbar compression treatment plans do not begin with surgery. Physicians typically try conservative treatments first. Some methods that may provide relief include:

• Physical therapy
• Traction therapy
• Pain relief medications
• Steroid injections

While these methods may provide temporary relief, they cannot address spine pain at its source. The patient will need to constantly maintain treatment to avoid symptoms. This gets expensive over time. In addition, conservative care may become less effective as stenosis worsens. Lumbar compression surgery is the only way to completely and permanently eliminate pain from spinal stenosis.

Is Lumbar Decompression Right for You?

Only a board-certified spine surgeon can confirm for certain whether lumbar decompression surgery is the right path for a patient. There are some signs, however, that a patient should discuss the subject with their physician. The following descriptors may indicate a good candidate for lumbar spine surgery:

• Extreme pain or numbness in a leg or foot
• Radiating leg pain that is worse than the back pain
• An inability to sit, stand, or walk without discomfort
• Pain that does not go away with physical therapy or medication
• Pain that interferes with everyday activities and quality of life

If a patient speaks with their physician about symptoms of spinal stenosis, the physician will begin with a thorough diagnosis process. This process involves a physical examination, a review of the patient’s medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans. Each test helps the physician rule out potential causes and come closer to a conclusive diagnosis for spinal stenosis.

What Types of Lumbar Decompression Are Available?

Lumbar decompression surgery at NU-Spine is performed by the award-winning neurosurgeon Dr. Branko Skovrlj. After determining the root cause of a patient’s lower back pain, he will recommend the best procedure to relieve their symptoms. He is experienced in multiple types of lumbar decompression surgery, including:

• Lumbar laminectomy: Dr. Skovrlj removes the back portion of one or more vertebrae, called the lamina, to create space around the spinal cord.
• Lumbar hemilaminectomy: Dr. Skovrlj removes only parts of the lamina, widening the spinal canal while reducing the risk of destabilizing the spine.
• Lumbar discectomy: Dr. Skovrlj removes a herniated spinal disc that intrudes into the spinal canal. The removed disc may be replaced with a lumbar disc replacement.
• Lumbar microdiscectomy: Dr. Skovrlj removes only part of a herniated disc, relieving spinal cord compression without requiring a disc replacement or spinal fusion.
• Lumbar foraminotomy: Dr. Skovrlj removes the bone that encloses the foramen, or the channel where root nerves exit the spine.
• Spinal fusion: Dr. Skovrlj fuses two or more vertebrae using implants and bone grafts, eliminating pain and stabilizing the spine after other surgeries.

Dr. Skovrlj has won numerous awards for his work with minimally invasive spine surgeries. At the same time, he holds onto his small-town values. These include treating patients with compassion and respect for their unique experiences and needs. Dr. Skovrlj understands that discussing back pain can be difficult, especially when it leads to lifestyle limitations or body insecurities. By building a relationship with his patients, he establishes trust and makes it easier for them to discuss their pain.

Outcomes of Lumbar Decompression

Lumbar decompression surgery provides immediate and significant relief. By removing pressure on the spinal cord, Dr. Skovrlj fully eliminates the cause of pain and other symptoms. Patients can reduce their reliance on pain medications or stop taking them altogether. They can also enjoy better sleep, fewer body insecurities, and a more active lifestyle, leading to an improved mood and higher quality of life.

Dr. Skovrlj prioritizes a minimally invasive approach whenever possible. This term refers to surgeries that use specialized tools to work through smaller incisions. Because they require less cutting, minimally invasive surgeries allow for an easier healing process with:

• Shorter hospital stays
• Less post-surgical bleeding
• Less risk of infection or complications
• Higher surgical success rates
• A faster full recovery

Find Expert Spine Pain Care Near You in New Jersey

Patients struggling with symptoms of spinal stenosis can find high-quality care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We offer lumbar decompression surgery and other minimally invasive spine surgeries, helping patients return to pain-free living. Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lumbar Decompression

What is lumbar decompression surgery?

Lumbar decompression is a surgery to create space around the spinal cord, relieving impingement. There are several types of decompression procedures, including:

• Laminectomy
• Hemilaminectomy
• Discectomy
• Microdiscectomy
• Foraminotomy
• Spinal fusion

When is lumbar decompression recommended?

Lumbar decompression is used to treat spinal stenosis, a condition that arises when the spinal canal narrows and creates pressure on the spinal cord.

Who is a good candidate for lumbar decompression?

Patients may be good candidates for decompression surgery if they experience severe pain, numbness, or loss of function, especially if their symptoms do not get better with conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication. The patient’s physician will perform a diagnosis and help them decide whether surgery is the right choice for them.