Spinal cord decompression surgery (also referred to as a laminectomy, with or without spinal fusion) creates space between the vertebrae where there was none before. In your spine, intervertebral discs separate each vertebra. These cushion the vertebra against the others and make pain-free movement a possibility. When one of these discs is injured or otherwise damaged, the resulting compression of the vertebrae presses on the nerves on the spine. This can lead to pain and other symptoms discussed below.

Over time, the friction of the vertebrae can also create bone spurs that protrude through the lamina. The lamina is the connective tissue at the back of each vertebra that protects the spinal column. This can further increase a patient’s pain. Spinal cord decompression surgery opens up the intervertebral space between the discs to relieve pressure on the nerves. Many patients will also receive a spinal fusion to increase stability.

Spinal cord decompression surgery is a surgical option you may consider when more conservative treatment options have been unsuccessful. The most common condition treated by spinal decompression surgery is spinal stenosis. Other related conditions include:

• Osteoarthritis

• Scoliosis

• Injury to the spine

• Metastatic spinal tumor

• Certain bone diseases

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Infection

​Spinal cord compression has the following five trademark symptoms:

• Pain and stiffness in the neck, back, or lower back

• Sciatic pain that radiates across the buttocks and down the hip and leg

• Numbness or weakness in the extremities

• Loss of sensation or numbness in the feet (or weakness that causes loss of foot control)

• Sexual dysfunction

Cauda equina syndrome occurs when there’s intense pressure on nerves located in the lumbar region. The symptoms of this syndrome are much more serious and require immediate medical attention. If you have any of these symptoms, go immediately to the emergency room:

• Loss of bowel or bladder control

• Severe or increasing numbness between the legs, inner thighs, and back of the legs

• Spreading, severe pain and weakness in one or both legs that makes it hard to walk or get out of a chair

​Symptoms may appear suddenly (in the case of injury to the spine), or they may occur over time. If there is any sudden worsening of symptoms, it is important to visit your doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

Spinal decompression surgery recovery time depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Your health

• Your compliance with your surgeon’s recovery instructions

• Which procedure was performed

​Spinal cord decompression surgery is an in-patient procedure that generally requires a hospital stay that ranges from one to four days. Once you are released to go home, you will be given a back brace and two prescriptions: one for physical therapy and one for pain medication. Following both of these prescriptions as directed by your doctor gives you the best chance of a speedy recovery!

​In general, patients should avoid strenuous exercise for at least two weeks and then gradually add it back in as your pain level (and doctor) allows. Starting a gentle walking program can go a long way towards your recovery, once approved by your doctor.

If you have had a spinal fusion along with spinal cord decompression surgery, your healing time may be longer. It may range from three to six months. Do not let this discourage you. Eat healthy, exercise as you are able, and take good care of yourself and your incision site to speed up your healing time. Stop smoking or using nicotine products to promote faster healing, too.