Spinal Laminectomy Surgery In Houston

Your spine does more than simply support your body; it also houses that all-important information conduit, the spinal cord. Unfortunately, a variety of problems can cause a vertebral bone to press against the spinal cord and its major nerve roots, cutting off the normal flow of sensory and motor information to other parts of your body. If you suffer from such a condition, you should know that NW Surgery can provide you with spinal laminectomy surgery in Houston.

What Is Spinal Laminectomy?

A jointed stack of bones known as vertebrae makes up the outer portion of the human spinal column, in a structure that envelopes the spinal cord. Spinal laminectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of the lamina, the rear-facing inner surface of a vertebra.

Orthopedic surgeons perform spinal laminectomies to increase the available open space within the spinal column. By doing so, they free the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots from compression that interferes with their normal function.

When to Consider Spinal Laminectomy Surgery

You may want to consider spinal laminectomy surgery in Houston if you suffer from a spinal compression problem that conservative measures can’t relieve. For instance, doctors commonly prescribe it for people with spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal. Spinal stenosis can occur due to:

• Osteoarthritis in the spine, a natural consequence of aging.
• Bone spurs or other bony overgrowths that develop in the spinal canal.
• Bulging vertebral discs that extend beyond their usual position in the spinal column.
• Abnormally thick ligaments in the back.

As these problems press against nerve tissue, they can trigger a variety of symptoms. Depending on the location of the compression, you may struggle with either neck pain or back pain. You may also experience numbness, pain, tingling, or weakness in your legs, feet, arms, or hands.

The most serious cases of spinal stenosis can rob you of normal bladder and bowel control. This emergency condition calls for surgical intervention.

Milder cases of spinal stenosis may respond to physical therapy exercises, over-the-counter drugs, or cortisone injections. Your doctor will try these methods first to see if they alleviate their symptoms. If they don’t, it’s time to consider surgery.

What to Expect From a Spinal Laminectomy

You can expect to receive general anesthesia for a spinal laminectomy. You’ll lie face-down on the operating table during this procedure. Many laminectomies can be performed through minimally invasive surgical techniques which require only a few small incisions and specialized surgical tools. Spinal laminectomy surgery can treat any region of the spine, from the cervical vertebrae of the neck to the sacral vertebrae near the pelvis.

After clearing away the tissues over the vertebra requiring treatment, the surgeon will excise bone spurs or other overgrown bits of the lamina. If necessary, your surgical team may also remove part of a bulging/herniated disc or fuse unstable vertebrae together with metal hardware.

After a couple of days in the hospital, you can recuperate from your laminectomy procedure at home. Physical therapy can help ensure an optimal recovery. Your medical team will advise you on how to rebuild your strength and flexibility safely. You can most likely resume light duties within a matter of weeks. If your laminectomy was accompanied by another surgical procedure, your spine may need more time to heal.

NW Surgery Is Your Spinal Laminectomy Resource

Spinal surgery is a serious step, which is why you should entrust your spine to seriously skilled and experienced spine specialists. NW Surgery’s practitioners have been performing these and many other delicate procedures for decades, providing relief for countless patients in the Houston area. In addition to spinal surgery, we also offer:

• Shoulder Surgery
• Spine Surgery
• Knee Surgery
• Hand and Wrist Surgery
• Foot and Ankle Surgery

Our specialists also provide the latest in chronic panic management for individuals whose symptoms cannot be completely relieved through other remedies.

We accept most health insurance, including Medicare. But don’t assume that you must carry substantial health insurance to receive the care you need at NW surgery. We’ll be happy to work with you regardless of your insurance status.

Find Out Whether Spinal Laminectomy Surgery Makes Sense for You

You don’t have to live with debilitating pain and other symptoms of spinal nerve compression. If you think you might be a candidate for spinal laminectomy surgery in Houston, Contact us today so we can refer you to one of our spinal surgery specialists.