Lumbar Decompression Surgery in Naples, FL
Lumbar decompression surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures in which bone, ligament, disc material, or sometimes fat are removed to take pressure off of compressed and dysfunctional nerves. This page will address operations which only require decompression of compressed nerves without spinal fusion (spacers and/or screws and rods). It is important to understand that some operations involve a combination of decompression and spinal fusion.
While spine surgery may seem intimidating, lumbar decompression procedures are typically very well tolerated, can often be performed in a minimally invasive fashion, and are of low risk for most patients. Most patients recover well from lumbar decompression procedures and enjoy quick return to their normal activities and an improved quality of life.
Benefits of Lumbar Decompression
Lumbar decompression surgery may be necessary to treat nerve compression that has not improved after other treatments including physical therapy and pain management injections. Conditions that respond to lumbar decompression include:
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated (slipped) discs
- Sciatica
- Spinal injuries
- Among others
Post-operatively most people who suffer from the above conditions report a reduction in back or leg pain, improved mobility, increased stamina, and an overall boost in happiness, mood, and energy.
Types of Lumbar Decompression Procedures
Not every lower back issue is the same. Some procedures work well to solve minor lumbar disc problems while others provide relief for advanced injuries or disease. As a result, many procedures exist to help patients facing a variety of problems.
Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy is commonly performed to treat patients with herniated discs in the lumbar spine. These patients most commonly have leg pain that is worse than back pain.
During the procedure, your surgeon removes a small portion of the bone over the spinal canal, gently moves the nerves to the side, and removes the herniated disc material that has been expelled from the center of the normal intervertebral disc. This process relieves pressure on the nerve root to alleviate pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms.
Lumbar Laminectomy
Lumbar laminectomy is used to treat spinal stenosis, where nerves are compressed by thickened ligaments and overgrown bone.
During lumbar laminectomy some or all of the lamina, the roof of the spinal canal, is removed followed by removal of the ligament which runs beneath the lamina as well as a small amount of the inside part of the facet joints. This increases the space within the spinal canal to allow the nerves to float freely within the sac that holds the nerves.
Other Procedures
During a consultation, if your doctor determines you are not a good candidate for either a microdiscectomy or a laminectomy he may recommend alternative procedures. Discuss your options with your doctor to decide which procedures are best for your condition.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ditty to discuss your surgical options. Dr. Ditty and his team will guide you through the steps you need to take for pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical recovery, including nonsurgical lifestyle changes to prevent further pain or complications.
Call (239) 337-2003 today to schedule a consultation or learn more.
Copyright © 2024 BJD at NASA. All rights reserved.