Lumbar spinal decompression
Lumbar spinal decompression is a surgical procedure to treat spinal stenosis, where nerves in the spinal canal become trapped where they exit the lower end of the spinal cord. This is normally caused by bulging of the discs in the spine, arthritis or thickening of the ligaments.
This surgery is performed to treat compressed nerves in the lower spine. Lumbar spinal decompression is particularly effective in treating severe pain caused by compressed nerves. Patients can usually leave the hospital and go home after 4-5 days.
Treatment
Symptoms of spinal stenosis include pain and weakness in the legs, and surgery can help to treat this. If your symptoms are mild, an operation might not be necessary. Sometimes the symptoms improve over time and they are unlikely to get worse. An injection of steroids is often effective for pain in the leg caused by pressure on the nerves of the lower spine (sciatica).
During your operation, which takes just over an hour and will use some form of anaesthetic, your surgeon will remove spinal ligament tissue and bone to release trapped nerves. The bones will be joined using a bone graft, metal screws and rods.
Recovery
You’ll be encouraged to walk on the day after your operation and will normally return home within three to five days. It can take some time before heavy lifting is possible after back surgery.
Ask your consultant about exercise, though generally resuming normal light exercise aids recovery.
Recovery from spinal surgery varies from patient to patient and symptoms might come back in time, due to wear and tear. Most patients make a good recovery from spinal stenosis operations.
References:
EIDO Healthcare Limited – The operation and treatment information on this website is produced using information from EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Aspen Healthcare.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
Lumbar spinal decompression Consultants
Qualifications
MCh(Orth), FRCS(Orth)
Clinical Interests
Lumbar spine problems, disc problems, spinal stenosis, sciatica and back pain.
Qualifications
MCh(Orth), FRCS(Orth)
Clinical Interests
Lumbar spine problems, disc problems, spinal stenosis, sciatica and back pain.
Qualifications
MBBS, FRCS, FRCS(Trauma & Orthopaedic)
Clinical Interests
Pain injections in the spine
Minimally and less invasive spinal surgery (MISS)
Non-fusion technology such as disc replacement...
Qualifications
MBBS, FRCS, FRCS(Trauma & Orthopaedic)
Clinical Interests
Pain injections in the spine
Minimally and less invasive spinal surgery (MISS)
Non-fusion technology such as disc replacement...
Qualifications
MBBS, M.S, MRCS(Ed), M.Sc( Dip), M.Phil, FRCS(Orth)
Clinical Interests
Minimally invasive lumbar decompression and fixation,
Microdisectomy,
Cervical decompression and fusion,
Spinal injections,
Vertebroplasty,
Kyphoplasty,
Fracture...
Qualifications
MBBS, M.S, MRCS(Ed), M.Sc( Dip), M.Phil, FRCS(Orth)
Clinical Interests
Minimally invasive lumbar decompression and fixation,
Microdisectomy,
Cervical decompression and fusion,
Spinal injections,
Vertebroplasty,
Kyphoplasty,
Fracture...
Qualifications
BA(Cantab), MB, BChir, MA, MD, FRCSEd, FRCSEd(Neuro Surg)
Clinical Interests
Neck pain; back pain; spinal pain: sciatica; lower limb pain; upper limb pain; limb pain; spinal injection therapy;...
Qualifications
BA(Cantab), MB, BChir, MA, MD, FRCSEd, FRCSEd(Neuro Surg)
Clinical Interests
Neck pain; back pain; spinal pain: sciatica; lower limb pain; upper limb pain; limb pain; spinal injection therapy;...
