Laminectomy

A laminectomy is a procedure to treat pressure on your spinal cord or the nerves of your spine. During a laminectomy, a surgeon removes the bone or tissue pressing on your spinal cord or nerves.

Your spinal cord or the nerves of your spine may be compressed due to problems with your:

• vertebrae (bones that make up your spine)
• intervertebral joints (joints between the bones of your spine)
• discs (cushioning pads between the bones of your spine)

Conditions that can cause your spinal cord or the nerves of your spine to be compressed include:

• osteoarthritis (a condition where your joints can become painful and stiff)
• achondroplasia (a type of dwarfism)
• scoliosis (an abnormal curve in your spine)
• a herniated disc (when your disc is pushed out of shape)
• a tumour in or near your spine
• an infection in or near your spine

A laminectomy can be performed on your:

• cervical spine (neck)
• thoracic spine (upper back)
• lumbar spine (lower back)

A laminectomy may be recommended if other treatment options have not helped improve your symptoms.

A laminectomy may help improve symptoms caused by pressure on your spinal cord or nerves, such as:

• pain
• numbness or tingling
• weakness or clumsiness

If the pressure on your spine is severe, it may also cause difficulty walking or changes to your bladder or bowel function. If these symptoms occur, seek urgent medical care.

Before recommending a laminectomy, your doctor will look into what is causing the pressure on your spinal cord and ask about your medical history.

Your doctor will examine your:

• spine
• muscle strength
• reflexes
• sensation (sense of touch)

They may also organise scans, such as:

• a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• a computed tomography (CT) scan
• an x-ray

During a laminectomy, you will have a general anaesthetic. This means you will be asleep and won't feel any pain. The surgeon will make an incision (small cut) near the area of your spine that is causing your symptoms. They will then remove a small amount of bone or tissue to take the pressure off your spinal cord or nerves.

Depending on why you are having the surgery, the surgeon might also need to:

• remove a damaged disc — this is known as a discectomy
• join 2 or more vertebrae together to stabilise the bones above and below your damaged disc — this is known as a spinal fusion

Your doctor will talk with you about these possibilities before the operation.

In an appointment before your laminectomy, your doctor will talk with you about what you need to do to prepare. They will explain the benefits and risks of the procedure and ask for your informed consent .

You will be asked to fast (not to eat or drink) before your surgery. You may also need to stop taking certain types of medicines.

If English is not your preferred language, you can ask for an interpreter to be present during this appointment.

Read more about preparing for surgery .

Most people go home 1 to 2 days after a laminectomy. Depending on the type of procedure you have, you may be able to go home on the same day.

Before you leave hospital, your surgeon will give you information about:

• which pain-relief medicines to take and for how long
• how to look after your wounds at home
• any activities you should avoid while you recover, such as driving or contact sports

As you recover, your doctor may recommend special exercises. A physiotherapist can show you which exercises are right for you.

Many people return to gentle activities 4 to 6 weeks after a laminectomy. Talk with your doctor about when it's safe for you to return to your usual activities.

Like all surgeries, there are some risks when you have a laminectomy. Possible complications from laminectomy surgery include:

• infection
• ongoing pain
• injury to your nerves
• leaking of the fluid that surrounds your spinal cord
• other bones in your back moving out of place, meaning you need further surgery

Possible alternatives to a laminectomy depend on what is causing your symptoms.

Your doctor may suggest:

• physiotherapy to help strengthen your back and abdominal muscles
• pain-relief medicines or anti-inflammatory medicines to help manage your symptoms
• a corticosteroid injection to help reduce inflammation
• weight loss , if you are overweight

If you decide not to have a laminectomy or it's delayed, your symptoms may continue to affect your daily activities.

Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of delaying surgery in your situation.

Learn more about:

• lumbar laminectomy
• cervical laminectomy

Visit the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia (Opens in new tab) page for more information on:

• lumbar laminectomy (Opens in new tab)
• cervical laminectomy (Opens in new tab)