Lumbar Decompression

Lower back pain can originate from musculoskeletal conditions, back injury, traumatic accidents, or other causes. Pain in the lumbar portion of the spine, centered in the lower back, originates from different causes. One of the most common reasons for lumbar back pain is the presence of disc herniations. When the structure of the spine is abnormal, misaligned, or injured somehow, it can cause severe pain in the affected area and radiate to other parts of the body. Disc herniations within the lumbar spine can cause interference with the sciatic nerve and cause radiating pain from the lower back down to the leg. Many patients find a solution for lumbar back pain with a lumbar decompression procedure.

A skilled back surgeon evaluates patients to determine the best route of action for their pain and spine condition. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic clinics, we understand that back pain brings many challenges to daily life. Our team is available to evaluate your condition and medical history during a free consultation. If you are continually experiencing lower back pain, a lumbar decompression surgical procedure with our considerate back surgeon may be the solution you are seeking.

What Is Lumbar Decompression?

Spinal decompression can alleviate the pain when the lumbar spine vertebrae are misaligned, injured, or have a pinched nerve. A small portion of the vertebrae bone is removed to relieve the compression of the nerve. This gives the nerve more space and provides more room to avoid compression. Typically, a lumbar decompression includes one of three different lumbar procedures known as microdiscectomy, laminectomy, and spinal fusion. Depending on the condition causing pain and spinal abnormalities, an expert orthopedic surgeon can recommend the best surgical solution.

Lumbar Micro-Decompression

A lumbar micro-decompression procedure is typically performed to fix a vertebral disc herniation within the lumbar region. A disc provides a cushion for the spine and sits between vertebrae to aid in structuring and stabilizing the spinal column. However, when a disc ruptures or slips between the bones, it becomes herniated. This condition may cause pain, numbness, weakness, nerve discomfort, and limitations in mobility.

Many people can live with disc herniations if they don’t cause pain or structural concerns. Although, a recent study about disc herniations found a substantial prevalence within different age groups. Patients between twenty-five and fifty-five have a 95% chance of suffering from a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Traditional and non-surgical solutions such as exercise, stretching, therapy, and pain relievers can aid in pain relief. However, a lumbar micro-decompression procedure with an orthopedic surgeon may help remove the piece of bone causing the pain when other treatment measures are exhausted.

Lumbar Laminectomy

In a laminectomy, known as an open decompression, this spinal procedure is used to treat central spinal stenosis. In this procedure, partial or total removal of the rear part of the spine (lamina) is performed to provide more space for compressed spinal cord or nerve roots. Spinal stenosis can cause a decrease in mobility and additional pain or weakness within one or both legs.

The compression of the spinal cord and its surrounding structures may cause varying degrees of pain in the lower back and legs, especially when walking or bending the spine. Through a lumbar laminectomy procedure, the removal of the lamina widens the spinal canal and reduces the pressure on the spinal cord and other areas. When non-surgical solutions such as therapy, medications, and epidural injections have not shown any improvement, a laminectomy may relieve the pain and injury on the spine.

Spinal Fusion

Two or more vertebrae are fused during a spinal fusion to create a section of bone and stabilize and strengthen the spine. This permanently connects the vertebrae and reduces motion between them. An orthopedic surgeon uses artificial bone or bone-like material to fill the space between the affected vertebrae in the lumbar region. Herniated discs, spinal instability, and deformities such as scoliosis can be treated by fusing spinal bones.

In some cases, a combination of these three procedures may be used, depending on the patient’s condition and whether their medical history makes them an eligible candidate. If you have suffered from back pain in the lumbar region, you may be a candidate for lumbar decompression surgical treatment. If you are concerned about what to expect during spinal surgery and the recovery process, our surgeon can evaluate your candidacy. Consultations at our clinics provide more information about the process you may undergo to heal from back pain or deformity.