A spinal surgery is the surgical joining of two or more adjacent vertebrae to improve mobility and alignment, alleviate pain, and correct deformity. These surgeries are generally performed on weight-bearing bones in the neck (cervical) or back (lumbar). There are many spinal fusions in which different joints are fused to achieve specific outcomes.
The process of spine surgery varies according to specific procedures. When a patient undergoes a complete laminectomy — when part of the lamina (the rigid fibrous material that forms the back wall) between vertebral bodies is removed — they will experience immediate relief from their symptoms.
1. Sciatica
Sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. It manifests irritation of one or more nerve roots exiting the spinal cord in the lumbosacral area. The most common cause of sciatica is compression—over time—of the nerve roots between two vertebrae. A laminectomy can relieve this pressure, thus relieving the pain.
2. Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is caused by the aging process and can cause a spinal canal narrowing, which could interfere with the normal function of the nerve roots exiting the spine. Symptoms are pain and pressure, which causes walking and sitting to be complicated. A laminectomy may help relieve those symptoms.
3. Neurological problems, such as myelopathy or radiculopathy
Myelopathy affects your spinal cord, while radiculopathy involves one or more nerve roots in your spine. Both can result in spinal stenosis, so having them corrected via surgery may relieve such symptoms.
4. Back pain
Back pain is the most common reason for people to seek spinal surgery. Some forms cause short-term or acute pain that lasts temporarily, but others are chronic and may require more invasive solutions, including spinal fusion.
5. Spinal tumors
A tumor in your spine can narrow the space inside your spinal canal, as well as affect your nerve roots. A laminectomy can remove the tumor, relieve associated symptoms like pain and pressure, and provide a better prognosis with subsequent treatment plans.
6. Degenerative disc disease
Degenerative disc disease is when the discs in your spine break down, causing the bones to rub against one another. It can be a source of back pain and often results in spinal stenosis. A laminectomy may be recommended to alleviate symptoms.
7. Stress fractures in vertebrae
As with degenerative disc disease, stress fractures in vertebrae cause pain by rubbing bones against one another due to a fracture or injury. A laminectomy performed at the site of the fracture can relieve pressure and allow healing to occur more quickly.
In conclusion, a spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that joins two or more vertebrae (bones of the spine) together, usually to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, to treat a herniated disc, or to repair weakened bones. spine.md is a website that can help you get spinal surgery.