Laminectomy: What Patients Need to Know About This Common Spine Surgery

What Is a Laminectomy?

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a small portion of the vertebra called the lamina—the “roof” of the spinal canal. Removing the lamina creates more space around the spinal nerves, relieving pressure caused by:

• Spinal stenosis

• Herniated or bulging discs

• Bone spurs

• Thickened ligaments

• Degenerative disc disease

• Spondylolisthesis

By decompressing the nerves, the procedure aims to reduce pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the back or legs.

Why Is a Laminectomy Recommended?

Your surgeon may recommend a laminectomy if:

• You have persistent nerve pain that hasn’t improved with physical therapy, medications, or injections.

• Imaging (MRI or CT scan) shows significant narrowing of the spinal canal.

• You have difficulty standing or walking due to nerve compression.

• You experience loss of bowel or bladder control (a medical emergency).

• You have progressive weakness in the legs.

A laminectomy is often part of a minimally invasive or traditional open procedure, depending on your specific condition.

How the Procedure Works

1. Anesthesia

You will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure you are asleep and pain-free during the surgery.

2. Surgical Access

A small incision is made over the affected spine level. Minimally invasive techniques may use smaller incisions and specialized instruments.

3. Removal of the Lamina

The surgeon carefully removes part or all of the lamina to decompress the nerves. Additional steps may include:

• Removing bone spurs

• Trimming or removing thickened ligaments

• Treating a herniated disc

4. Fusion (If Needed)

In some cases—especially when instability is present—a spinal fusion may be performed to stabilize the spine using screws and rods. Many patients, however, do not need fusion.

5. Closing the Incision

The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Benefits of Laminectomy

• Significant reduction in back and leg pain

• Improved walking and standing tolerance

• Relief from numbness and tingling

• Prevention of further nerve damage

• Increased mobility and quality of life

• Rapid return to daily activities (especially when performed minimally invasively)

What to Expect After Surgery

Hospital Stay

Many minimally invasive laminectomy patients go home the same day or after a one-night stay.

Pain and Activity

• Mild to moderate soreness is expected for a few days.

• Walking is encouraged immediately to prevent stiffness and blood clots.

• Avoid bending, lifting, and twisting until cleared by your surgeon.

Return to Work

• Light desk work: 1–2 weeks

• Physical labor: 2–3 months depending on healing and the extent of surgery

Physical Therapy

Your surgeon will typically recommend physical therapy to restore strength and mobility after the initial healing period.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, a laminectomy carries some risks, including:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Nerve injury

• Spinal fluid leak

• Recurrent symptoms (rare)

• Postoperative instability (sometimes requiring fusion)

Your surgeon will review these risks and explain how they are minimized through minimally invasive techniques and expert care.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

A laminectomy may be right for you if:

• You have severe spinal stenosis

• Symptoms interfere with daily life

• Conservative treatments haven’t worked

• Imaging confirms nerve compression

• You experience radiating leg pain (sciatica)

When to Seek Care Immediately

Call your doctor right away—or go to the ER—if you experience:

• Sudden weakness in your legs

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Severe, unrelenting pain

These symptoms may indicate a serious nerve compression that requires urgent treatment.

Final Thoughts

A laminectomy is a safe, effective procedure that can dramatically reduce nerve pain and restore your ability to move comfortably. Modern minimally invasive techniques allow for smaller incisions, faster recovery, and excellent long-term outcomes. If you’re struggling with chronic back or leg pain, talk to a spine specialist like Dr. Remi Ajiboye to find out whether a laminectomy may help you get back to living pain-free.

Remi M. Ajiboye M.D. is considered one of the best board-certified spine specialist in Los Angeles who is trained in non-surgical and surgical management of spine conditions. He has advanced training in minimally-invasive spine surgery and complex spinal reconstruction. Dr Remi Ajiboye serves Torrance, El Segundo, Long Beach, and the surrounding communities of South Bay, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Lomita, San Pedro, Carson, Lawndale, Gardena, Hawthorne, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Inglewood, Ladera Heights, South Gate, Lynwood, Compton, Los Alamitos, Westminster, Garden Grove, Lakewood, Cerritos, Bellflower, Downey, Paramount, Bellflower, Norwalk, Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Orange, Tustin, Fullerton, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and greater Los Angeles county and Orange County. Contact Remi Ajiboye, MD, online or over the phone to set up an appointment.

Author

Remi Ajiboye MD Remi M. Ajiboye M.D. is a spine specialist who is trained in non-surgical and surgical management of spine conditions. He has advanced training in minimally-invasive spine surgery and complex spinal reconstruction.