There are many different issues that can occur with the spine and it can affect any part of the back. Some common issues occur in the lumbar or lower spine but it is also possible for it to occur in the cervical spine, which is in the area of the neck. When issues occur in the area of the neck, the symptoms can be severe and can affect more than just the general area. In fact, you may find that the pain and other symptoms you experience are radiating down the arm and can even affect the ability to use the hands properly. One of the many issues that can occur with the cervical spine is cervical stenosis.
Spinal stenosis is a problem in which the spinal cord does not have enough room within the spinal column. There are many different issues that could lead to a problem with spinal stenosis, including tumors, fractures and herniated discs. The cervical area of the spine is particularly problematic when it comes to spinal stenosis, because it can affect more than just the general area. As a result of the spinal column compressing on the spinal cord, it can result in numbness, weakness and tingling that extends down the arm and even out into the fingers. It is not typically an issue that goes away on its own and sometimes, a posterior laminectomy may be necessary.
Approaching an issue with any type of cervical spinal problems from the back or posterior area is one of the most common ways to deal with the issue. In a posterior laminectomy, this is also what takes place. A surgeon will make an incision in the back of the neck in order to reach the part of the cervical spine that is causing the problem with spinal cord compression. It is the easiest way to reach this issue in many cases. The laminectomy can then take place, and the doctor can remove the tissue or bone that is putting pressure on the spinal cord or on the nerve root and resulting in the problems that you are experiencing.
As is the case with any type of surgical procedure, a posterior laminectomy may cause a variety of issues for those who have it completed. There is going to be some recovery time involved and that may differ, depending upon the specific treatment that was necessary when the laminectomy was performed. Sometimes, it makes a difference in the doctor that you use as to the degree of success that you experience in the recovery time that you must go through. That is why many people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area turn to Dr. Dickerman, a board-certified spine and neurological surgeon.
When you are suffering from a difficulty with cervical spinal stenosis, the problems can be life altering. It can make it difficult to live your day-to-day life and in many cases, it not only affects you but it affects your family as well. By contacting Dr. Dickerman and his trained and qualified staff, you can begin to get the help you need so that you can get back to your life again. After diagnosing your problem and reviewing the possible solutions, he may decide that a posterior laminectomy is the best choice. He will review those solutions with you and allow you to make the determination as to what is best for your interest.
