Spinal Decompression Surgery
Spinal decompression is a treatment designed to relieve back pain by reducing pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. By gently creating space within the spine, this treatment can help alleviate discomfort, restore mobility and allow return to the activities. The primary goal of spinal decompression is to reduce pain and improve quality of life by addressing the underlying source of your spinal pressure.
Spinal decompression surgery may be recommended to treat severe symptoms of spinal nerve compression or symptoms that don’t improve well enough with more conservative treatments, such as physical therapy.
Conditions commonly treated with Spinal Decompression Surgery
These conditions of the spine can lead to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots:
- abnormal growths of bone on a vertebra (bone spurs)
- breakdown of the intervertebral discs made of a cartilage-like substance, collagen, and other connective tissues - that provide cushioning for the vertebrae (Degenerative Disc Disease)
- abnormal spinal alignment causing an s-shaped curvature (Scoliosis)
- Narrowing of the spinal column, usually due to arthritis. Foraminotomy and laminectomy are common spinal decompression surgeries for spinal stenosis.
- Other possible causes of spinal nerve compression include infections, injuries and tumors.
Symptoms of spinal nerve compression
Symptoms develop over time or they may come on very suddenly. Symptoms also vary depending on the location of the disease or injury in the spine. Common symptoms include:
- Pain that may radiate or spread to other areas
- Burning
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Weaknesses
- problems with balance or coordination
Treatment
There are two main forms of spinal decompression treatment: traction and surgery
- Nonsurgical spinal decompression:A conservative therapy that uses traction to stretch the spine, promoting realignment and relieving pressure on spinal structures. This is usually temporary.
- Spinal decompression surgery: A more advanced option for severe or persistent conditions. It involves removing portions of bone or tissue to relieve nerve compression and restore function. Spinal Decompression Surgery may be recommended with worsening symptoms, disabling pain or weakness leading to difficulty walking or standing. Many spinal decompression surgeries are minimally invasive procedures. Spinal nerve decompression surgeries successfully relieve pain in 80 to 90% of patients.
- Open surgery with a larger incision may be the best or safest option depending on the circumstances.