Who Is a Candidate for Lumbar Spinal Decompression?

A lumbar spinal decompression is basically spine surgery that can help relieve pressure on a pinched nerve root in the low back. Lumbar spinal decompression surgery should only be considered when non-surgical treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief. It is often used as a last resort. Read on to find out if you are a potential candidate for lumbar spinal decompression.

Lumbar spinal decompression

Lumbar surgery refers to any type of surgery in the lower back or lumbar spine. Lumbar spinal decompression and lumbar fusion are two general types of lumbar spine surgery. They comprise the most common surgical procedures for the lower back. Decompression surgery is often ideal for relieving pain caused due to nerve root pinching. Some of the main causes of lumbar nerve root pressure are lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar herniated disc.

A decompression surgery involves the removal of a portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or the material of the disc from under the nerve root. This helps to relieve the pinching of the nerve and to also provide adequate room for the nerve to heal. The two most common types of decompression surgery are laminectomy and microdiscectomy. Here are some factors that may make someone a potential candidate for lumbar spinal decompression.

A potential candidate for lumbar spinal decompression

Lumbar spinal decompression is ideal for a person who experiences persistent pain, numbness or weakness in the leg that does not respond to more conservative treatment options. People who experience muscle weakness or difficulty standing or walking or performing daily activities or physical activity because of pain can also benefit from it. A microdiscectomy is often performed for pain from a lumbar herniated disc. This type of decompression surgery is usually recommended for leg pain that is caused by a herniated disc.

This type of pain is commonly referred to as sciatica by patients and radiculopathy by medical practitioners. A lumbar laminectomy is usually performed for pain from lumbar spinal stenosis. Its goal is to allow more room for the nerve root, which reduces pain and potentially any neurological symptoms or leg weakness. This surgery can also restore the ability of a patient to take part in everyday activities.

Effectiveness of lumbar spinal decompression surgery

There is some evidence that decompression surgery can be an effective treatment option for patients with severe pain caused by compressed nerves. Many patients who undergo the operation usually experience an immense improvement in pain. People who found it difficult to walk before surgery due to leg pain or weakness usually find it easier to walk after the operation. Many patients are also often able to walk farther. However, patients should be aware that even though lumbar spinal decompression is usually successful, it carries a risk of complications.

Takeaway

Lumbar spinal decompression surgery can be used to treat compressed nerves in the lower spine. A doctor will only recommend it when non-surgical treatments have not been able to deliver the desired results. This type of surgery can help people with a variety of problems including persistent pain and numbness in the legs. If you are considering lumbar spinal decompression, talk to your doctor to find out if it is right for you.

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