Spinal Decompression

What is spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression refers to various surgical procedures that relieve the pressure on your spinal canal or nerve roots to alleviate neck and back pain conditions. 

The team at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery uses many innovative surgical techniques and tools to perform spinal decompression. 

Am I a good candidate for spinal decompression?

When you visit Apex Spine and Neurosurgery for an evaluation of your neck or back pain, the team conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best treatment for you. 

They may consider you a good candidate for spinal decompression if you have nerve compression symptoms such as:

• Radiating pain
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
• Muscle weakness
• Poor balance

These symptoms may develop from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs.

The experienced team also performs spinal decompression procedures for synovial cyst removal. They remove these cysts using minimally invasive techniques. 

What are spinal decompression procedures?

The neurosurgeons at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery use a variety of surgical techniques to perform spinal decompression procedures. 

Common surgeries that alleviate pressure and symptoms include:

Laminectomy

During a laminectomy, the team removes a portion of your lamina, which is the bony covering of your spinal column. Removing the bone allows more room in the spinal canal, alleviating pressure.

Discectomy

During a discectomy, your neurosurgeon removes the portion of your disc pressing on a nerve or spinal canal.

Osteophyte removal

For bone spurs (osteophytes), the team gets rid of these extra bone growths by carefully removing them. 

Corpectomy

During a corpectomy, the team removes the vertebral body and discs. Then, they perform a spinal fusion to stabilize the spine and alleviate symptoms. 

How long is recovery following spinal decompression?

Recovery time following spinal decompression varies depending on your situation and the procedure. The team specializes in both traditional and minimally invasive spine surgery techniques and performs the procedure that provides you with the best possible outcomes.

You may need to spend a few days in the hospital following your spinal decompression procedure. Your surgeon then prescribes physical therapy to support healing and recovery. You may need several months of rehabilitation before resuming your usual activities.

Though results vary, many patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms following their spinal decompression.

To schedule a consultation to learn more about spinal decompression and if it’s a surgical option for you, call Apex Spine and Neurosurgery, or book an appointment online today.