Laminectomy

When most of us think about our spine, we really only think about the basic components. This could include the spinal cord, the vertebrae and the intervertebral discs. In reality, the spine is a very intricate part of the human body and any one of those parts could cause difficulties if an injury or illness should happen to occur. At times, one of the problems that you may face are spiny overgrowths within the spinal canal, something that may happen if you have spinal arthritis.

A number of treatment options may be possible for this type of difficulty. It can cause pain, numbness, tingling and many other issues if it is not treated. Nonsurgical options may often be considered prior to the time that a surgical option is required. Sometimes, the surgery that is needed is known as a laminectomy. This type of surgery removes the back of the vertebrae, which is the part that is covering the spinal canal. It is also referred to as decompression surgery because it allows for additional space so that the spinal cord and other nerves in the area have more room and are not being pinched or otherwise impeded.

Although a bony overgrowth is one of the most common reasons why a laminectomy is needed, there may also be other reasons why it is considered as an option as well. Since it is a surgical procedure, it is often considered after other conservative types of treatments have not worked out. Some of the other treatments that may be tried prior to the time that a spinal decompression is offered include physical therapy, injections and medication. They are offered to relieve some of the symptoms but they do not offer a treatment that cures the problem behind the spinal problems.

There are some risks to this type of procedure although it is considered to be one of the safer procedures that are done on the spine. Some of the problems that may be experienced include infections, bleeding, injury to nearby nerves, leakage of spinal fluid and blood clots. Since there are issues that could be involved with this type of surgery, it is important to contact a qualified neurosurgeon who can care for the situation in the best way possible. Dr. Dickerman has helped many individuals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Richardson and Plano. If you have spinal problems and are in need of assistance, he can offer you professional service that is highly sought by others.

The good part about this type of surgery is the fact that many people have a reduction in their symptoms after it is completed. As time continues to pass and the spine ages, however, there may be a reoccurrence of your arthritic problems and the benefits may be reduced to a certain extent. It is a type of procedure that is commonly used to relieve leg pain that is associated with a nerve compression in the back. It does not, however, stop osteoarthritis from causing additional problems and the possibility for nerve compression.