High pressure in the spinal canal is often caused by the abnormal and excessive growth of the spine bones and is common in people with arthritis. Also, excessive bone growth can be seen with age. Other causes of this disease include heredity. Laminectomy is usually considered as the last treatment after drug treatments, physical therapy and intrathecal injection.... Laminectomy is also recommended following exacerbation of symptoms. Generally, in mild cases of spinal disc, non-invasive treatments are used, and in severe and symptomatic cases, spine surgery is used. If you are looking for more information about laminectomy surgery, refer to the Instagram page of Dr. Mahmoud Yazdan Panahi from the board of neurosurgeon, spine and lumbar disc specialist. Why laminectomy surgery is performed? Overgrowth of bone in the spine can be related to the spinal canal, in which case the spinal canal narrows and the spinal cord and spinal nerves are put under pressure. This pressure can cause pain, numbness and weakness that spreads to the arms or legs. Because laminectomy surgery restores the spinal canal to its original state, it improves diffuse pain, but importantly, this surgery does not correct the conditions causing the stenosis. **Laminectomy surgery is recommended in the following cases:** - Less invasive methods such as drug therapy, physiotherapy and intraspinal injection do not improve neck and back disc. - Muscular weakness and numbness makes it difficult to stand and walk. - Damage to the nerves leads to incontinence of feces and urine. In some cases, laminectomy surgery is performed as part of hernia repair surgery.. The surgeon must remove parts of the lamina to access the bulging disc. Lumbar laminectomy surgery Lumbar laminectomy surgery includes the removal of the lamina from the back of the lumbar vertebrae bones in order to create a suitable space in the vertebral canal, as well as removing pressure from the spinal cord and spinal nerves in cases of lumbar disc rupture. ### Symptoms of lumbar disc rupture - Feeling pain in the legs - Photography of the damaged part - Feeling of weakness and numbness in the legs - paralysis of legs - Incontinence in urination and defecation Usually, in cases of mild lumbar disc and mild lumbar disc rupture, rest and palliative treatments are recommended, but in severe and symptomatic cases lumbar disc surgery is necessary. Neck laminectomy surgery Cervical laminectomy surgery involves removing the back part of the bones of the neck vertebrae with the aim of creating a proper space in the cervical spinal canal.. This surgery is also used in cases of cervical disc rupture. ### Symptoms of cervical disc rupture - Severe pain in the neck and back area - Loss of balance and coordination - Feeling pain and progressive numbness in the hands The above cases can be considered as the most common symptoms of cervical disc and its rupture... Like lumbar disc, rest is recommended in mild cervical disc, but in severe cases of cervical disc, treatment with cervical disc surgery should be considered as soon as possible. Complications of laminectomy surgery Laminectomy surgery is a safe surgical procedure, but like all medical interventions, this surgery also has risks, which include: - bleeding - infection - clot formation - nerve damage - leakage of cerebrospinal fluid Differences between spine surgeries All surgeries performed on the spine are performed with the aim of improving pain and removing pressure from the spinal cord and spinal nerves... but the method of performing each of these actions is different... Depending on the type of injury and its severity, another type of surgery may be required. ### Laminotomy or laminectomy A laminotomy is a minor surgical procedure and involves only making a hole in the lamina, while a laminectomy is a major surgical procedure and involves the complete removal of the vertebral bone layer. ### Laminectomy or discectomy As mentioned, a laminectomy involves the removal of a portion of the vertebral bone, while a discectomy involves the removal of a portion of the bulging disc in order to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. ### Which surgical method is right for you?.. The important thing about choosing a surgical method is to fully consult with the surgeon to determine the cause of the pain along with the details and complications of each type of surgery... How to prepare for laminectomy surgery?.. Before the surgery, you should refrain from eating and drinking for a while.... You should also talk to your doctor about the medications you should take and the medications you should stop... ### During laminectomy surgery Laminectomy surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, so the patient will not be conscious during the surgical process. The anesthesia team monitors the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and level of consciousness during surgery. -The surgeon removes the skin and muscles of the vertebra by making an incision on the damaged area....using special tools, the minimum necessary amount of lamina is removed....the size of the surgical incision will be very different according to the size of the patient and the size of the injury....it is used in less invasive surgical procedures compared to smaller surgical incisions.. -If laminectomy surgery is performed as part of discectomy surgery, after removal lamina, the surgeon also removes the protruding parts from the disc. - For a vertebra that rides on another vertebra or a curved spine, a vertebral fusion may be performed to stabilize the spinal cord. In a vertebral fusion, the surgeon permanently joins two or three spinal vertebrae together.. Connections. - According to the condition of the injury, the surgeon may use a small incision and a microscope for treatment. ### After laminectomy surgery After laminectomy surgery, the patient is transferred to the post-anesthesia care unit to be monitored for anesthesia and surgical complications.. The patient may be asked to move their legs and arms.. Depending on the patient's work conditions, the patient may need several weeks to return to work... If the surgery involves fusion of vertebrae, the recovery time will be longer. Necessary care after laminectomy surgery After spinal disc surgery, the most important measure is to control pain so that the patient can return to his normal and daily activities.. To control pain, you can use drugs as well as appropriate physical activity.... During the recovery period, the patient should avoid activities that have sudden and intense movements. Disc surgery wound care is also necessary to heal the wound in the best way and without infection. ### Physiotherapy after laminectomy surgery Physiotherapy after laminectomy surgery should be started as soon as possible to improve mobility and prevent further injuries. Physical therapy usually starts 4 to 6 weeks after neck or back disc surgery. If there are complications after these surgeries, such as heavy bleeding or infection, this time may be longer. Before doing physiotherapy, it is necessary to check things such as medical history, physical examination, ability to move, physical strength, surgical wound healing, neurological condition, flexibility and performance of the patient. After reviewing the mentioned items, the physiotherapist will design a specific program for the patient. ### Exercise after laminectomy surgery A suitable exercise program is one of the necessary measures after laminectomy surgery. Research shows that people who exercise after laminectomy surgery will experience a better recovery. Recommended exercises after neck and back disc surgery include range of motion exercises and central muscle strengthening.. Aerobic exercises are recommended after laminectomy surgery to improve overall health. The intensity of training should also increase over time. Stretching exercises are also good for improving muscle flexibility ### How to sleep after laminectomy surgery The most suitable way to sleep after spine surgery is to sleep on your back because this position provides the most support and protection to the surgical area. To reduce pain and discomfort while lying on your back, it is better to support your back and knees with pillows...Also, your hands should be placed by the person's side, because if the hands are placed under the head or neck, an injury may occur. If cervical disc surgery has been performed, it is necessary to use special orthopedic pillows or neck collars while sleeping to prevent excessive mobility. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended after neck or back disc surgery, but side sleeping is possible with proper support. To support the position of sleeping on the side, it is necessary for the patient to place a pillow between his knees. Many people report significant improvement in their symptoms after laminectomy surgery, especially pain radiating to the arms and legs...this improvement will be less if the person has an underlying condition such as arthritis.