Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. MILD Procedure
2:04
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
6. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
7. Facet Joint Fusion
1:48
8. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Lumbar Basivertebral Nerve (Vertebral Body or Disc)
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Degenerative Disc Disease
2:06
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
1. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
2. Intradiscal Fibrin Injection
1:53
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1746879872
Spinal decompression surgeries are procedures used to relieve pressure on nerves and the spinal cord, often for conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis. These surgeries are typically considered when other treatments, such as physical therapy or injections, have not provided relief.
Laminectomy involves removing a small piece of bone called the lamina, which covers the back of the spine. This creates more space in the spinal canal, reducing pressure on the nerves. It is often used for conditions like spinal stenosis or severe degenerative disc disease. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia through an incision in the back.
Discectomy focuses on removing part of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve, which can relieve symptoms like sciatica, a condition where pain travels down the leg. Sometimes, it is combined with a laminotomy, a smaller procedure that allows access to the disc. The goal is to remove only the damaged portion of the disc while preserving its overall structure.
These surgeries can help relieve leg or back pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. Recovery typically involves a short hospital stay, followed by a gradual return to normal activities over several weeks. As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, and, though rare, nerve damage.
For some patients, advanced pain management techniques or conservative therapies may be alternatives to surgery. It’s important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor to determine the best plan for your condition. Talk to our team to find the best approach for you.
FAQs
Are there alternatives to spinal decompression surgery?
Yes, there are non-surgical alternatives to spinal decompression surgery. These include physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, and pain management techniques. For mild cases, chiropractic care or bracing may also be considered as alternatives to surgery. It's important for patients to discuss these options with their doctor to determine the best treatment plan for their condition.
What are some common symptoms that spinal decompression surgeries address?
Spinal decompression surgeries often help with symptoms including sciatica (pain that travels down the leg), lower back pain, numbness, and muscle weakness caused by nerve compression. In severe cases, symptoms like bowel or bladder dysfunction may also be addressed through surgery.
What are the risks associated with spinal decompression surgeries?
As with any surgery, spinal decompression surgeries carry risks, including infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. There is also a risk of disc recurrence, where a new disc fragment herniates, and adjacent segment disease, where degeneration occurs in the spine segments near the treated area.
What is spinal decompression surgery and when is it recommended?
Spinal decompression surgery is a procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, often due to conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis. This type of surgery is usually considered after conservative treatments like physical therapy or injections haven't provided sufficient relief.
What is the difference between a laminectomy and a discectomy?
A laminectomy involves removing a small piece of bone called the lamina, which is part of the vertebra, to create more space in the spinal canal and relieve nerve pressure. A discectomy, on the other hand, involves the removal of a herniated or damaged portion of an intervertebral disc to relieve nerve root compression. Both procedures aim to alleviate symptoms such as pain and numbness.