
	Surgery For Back Pain: Laminectomy Discectomy Nerve Root Block

Laminectomy is a Common Operation

A laminectomy is not an uncommon operation for relieving low back pain. So, what is it exactly?

Take a look at the diagram below. You can see that arising from the body of the vertebra is an arch to form a hole in the middle for the spinal cord. On the diagram where the arch is shaded red, this is the part of the vertebral arch that is removed during the operation.

Laminectomy

A laminectomy is usually performed to make more room for the spinal cord and for pressure to be taken off the nerve. This operation is also done so the disc can be seen and if there is a 'slipped disc' or 'prolapsed disc', then the surgeon can get to it and remove it. This would be called a discectomy operation.

Recovery is usually very good and some rehabilitation by a physical therapist is recommended to maximize the outcome and prevent any secondary problems.