What is a Laminectomy? | Spine Surgery Basics
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- Опубліковано 25 кві 2021
- What is a laminectomy?
If you've been recommended a spinal surgery; your doctor may have mentioned that he/she would be performing a laminectomy.
You may be wondering about...
Laminectomy recovery time
Laminectomy with spinal fusion
Laminectomy with discectomy
Laminectomy post-op
Laminectomy exercises
and much more.
In this video, I'll start with the basics and break down what a laminectomy is, what conditions it's used to treat, and what you may want to consider before having one performed.
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Jeff Langmaid is a chiropractor, author, and speaker. He is the founder of The Evidence Based Chiropractor, co-founder of The Smart Chiropractor, and author of Marketing Chiropractic to Medical Doctors. His podcast and social media presence have made him one of the most followed chiropractors in the world.
Throughout his career he has been featured on Yahoo Health, MSN Health, CBS News, ABC News, Prevention Magazine, Chiropractic Economics, and more.
The Evidence Based Chiropractor UA-cam channel sits right at the intersection of research and marketing. All to help you grow and develop your practice.
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While I was listening to you explain, I started to become a little bit uncomfortable but when I went through the comment section and heard people's success stories, I am more than ready to get mine done. I have been in pain for about 9 months now. Thanks for then in-depth explanation.
You're welcome, hope you are able to find relief.
I gad a laminectomy in 1988 aged 27 I’m 64 now and it’s been great 😊
Glad to hear it's worked well for you!
I’m about to have the L2,3,4,5,S1. I’m scared. I’m 52 with stenosis
I’m jut worried about taking that much bone mass out of my back. Do you have any advise?
Thats Awesome news!!!
I just had Lumbar Laminectomy and Discectomy and a Permanent Paddle Pain Stimulator put in. I am 6 days post op and it's been hard and lots of tears from the pain but I can honestly see improvement each day and I'm so very thankful ❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤
@@johnhancock9249peld aja
So this jumped in my view .... glad i found you. Laminectomy with fusion and cages. Everything doesn't work for everybody (I was prayerful)....I was good for awhile but sadly I'm back on the journey for relief. 😢 Happy for the ones it worked for. I wouldn't wish this agony on anyone.....well maybe lol😊
Thank you so much
Thanks for your video and layman’s definition of what the procedure entails. I am looking to get more information on a T3-5 Laminectomy and fusion procedure and have not been able to get info on that particular combination of terms. Can you explain this and what recovery and upcoming might look like. Thanks for your time and professionalism in serving the public need.
My pleasure- thank you! Recovery time would be better answered by the surgeon performing the procedure.
Commenting for the algorithm, you the best Dr. Jeff!
Right on- thank you!! Keep rocking and putting out incredible videos and content 👍
Thanks Grant- your the best!
Thanks for explainations. Its help me lots❤
You're welcome 😊
Hello I've got a severe back problem I've had it for quite awhile I need some kind of treatment before it gets any worse than what it is I really enjoyed watching this informative video I'm really learning alot from watching these videos
Thank you for the feedback- I hope you're able to find relief!
Thank u sir awesome explaination🙌👍😊
Most welcome 😊 thank you!
Great explanation, thank you for producing such valuable content! Chiropractic can help prevent the need for a laminectomy or other spine surgery.
Thank you so much for the awesome comment!
thanks for pointing on THINK TWICE before operation.,use the training options etc .
My pleasure- thank you for tuning in!
Thank you for this video, my laminectomy is coming up on the 27th. Hopefully this helps because this is my last option.
Wishing you the best!
Dr. Flangman my name is Casper. I watched your video and need to ask you this question. I did have a laminectomy and discectomy six months ago. I fell at work and the pain in my spine is back which running down my leg to my foot. I am constantly in pain and use medication to numb it. I can`t bend for too long or even stand for too long. I can`t even pick up heavy stuff without feeling intense pain. What can be the caue and what can you recommend to help me. Thank you.
Have to have thoracic laminectomy done march 6th this yr 😮
Having leg pains numbness And weakness and big my doctor says L5 fusion. There's movement in the spine Bon should I have an L5 fusion or should I have a laminectomy? The. Nerves are being pitched "help
Dr. Jeff . . . your thoughts are most interesting. I have done yoga for years as well as visit an excellent chiropractor as needed. I had a right cervical 7 Thoracic 1 laminectomy six weeks ago. Recovery was as expected but I still have the same numbness in my right hand and forearm. I am scheduled to talk with my surgeon tomorrow. Any thoughts?
I would be sure to bring up everything you're experiencing to your surgeon so that they may recommend the best rehab to achieve maximal results!
That numbness could be from just a nerve being impinged in the elbow or in the wrist,,need to get a certain kind of exray or an MRI to rule that out,,,not all numbness is due to the nerve in the neck or spinal cord. God bless you.😊
Thankyou
You’re welcome 😊
Dr. Jeff,
Thank you! I am considering a laminectomy of my lumbar spine L4-5-6. I have severe stenosis and a slipped vertebrae in this area. One doctor said that I needed a fusion and another Dr. said that he felt that a laminectomy would work better for me. He said that when my X-rays were taken bending down, that the slipped vertebrae's did not move much and he did not feel like I needed a Fusion! What are your thoughts!
Hello, I cannot provide specific advice, but an unstable spondylolisthesis (slipping) generally requires a fusion. However, you can have slipping that is stable. The key is determining the stability to know whether hardware is the best choice.
I’m scheduled to have one in May L2-L6 Kami to be removed
okay, I am scheduled for surgery in about 10 days. I have seen 4 surgeons, and no one said there was anything other than surgery, even when asked. This is not going to be fun, as I now know I cannot depend on family or friends to help out afterwards. I am thinking of canceling. I have numbness in a couple fingers, a bit of stiffness in my neck and shoulders, and I feel like I am wearing kneehighs even though I am not. Pain? not really. Wondering what the "collective" thinks here. I should say the area is c3-4, with a bit of compression on my spinal cord.
Hello doc .Based on my MRI Results I have a diffuse disc bulge causing mild bilateral neural canal narrowing , L4 L5 small schmorl's nodes at T12 down to L3.
What can you recommend for this?
Thank you so much
hello, while I can't provide specific medical advice, I would say most people with mild bilateral narrowing are able to find relief without drugs or surgery.
I’m getting my done at the end of march
Hope you're able to find relief!
How are you doing now if I may ask?
I have multilevel decompressive lumbar laminectomy, I'm schedule to get some physical therapy to see if it will fix the Paine before considering surgery. Dr. Jeff why in the morning when I get up
I have this tremendous pain in my right leg from my bud to my knee, than after from one to two hours that pain is reduced. Thankyou
Hello and great question- I can't comment on your case specifically but transient pain (pain that comes and goes) is extremely common. Often people find their pain may decrease as they get limbered up and moving, but can come back with overexertion- but pain patterns can be HIGHLY variable.
3 weeks post laminectomy at L2-3 and 3-4with previous fusion at L4-5 L5 S1 and feeling better and standing straighter than I have in years
Much easier recovery than the fusion though a risk of breakdowns in time
I agree noninvasive efforts should be exhausted first
Happily I feel 20 years younger 51 instead of 71 🎂🎁🎇🎊😂👏👏👏 6:52
I’m
Looking at L2 thru S1. I’m
Worried about taking that much bone mass. I’m 52.
Just afraid it will weaken my spine. I like to be active in my life. Any suggestions or thoughts you may have are greatly appreciated.
glad to her you are feeling better!
@@johnhancock9249 just research like crazy second and third opinion and b
Try all noninvasive methods first
Best wishes
@@geraldinetaeckens5873 thanks. That’s what I’ll do.
What would be the physical therapy protocol or plan of care provided for one trying to avoid a laminectomy?
Great question- it depends upon the evaluation results and the patient's goals.
....done it 6 weeks ago ! ...got some tips too !!
Hope you are doing well!
@@Theevidencebasedchiropractor Thank You ...it's going well so far.... would I notice, if some screws were out of place or loose ????
I am experiencing lots of pain and lower lumbar stenosis. I have completed everything, including branch block, and I am still struggling. What else is there after the branch block or two?
Im sorry to hear that, while I can't comment specifically on your case, many people with lumbar stenosis are able to find some relief by visiting a movement-based healthcare provider.
Had a cervical laminectomy in 2016 C4-c7. Came out of the surgery with a paralyzed right arm. Took a year to get back most movement, but still have a deficit of strength and tiredness in the shoulder. Is this common? My arm though having some pain, was still quite strong before the operation. Why did this happen? Was a nerve damaged in the procedure?
Sorry to hear of your challenges. There are quite a few possibilities, so it's best to ask the surgeon.
I had a sciatica pian so my surgeon decided surgery its been 3 month ago now i can walk but i ask u a question please advise me can i go at work now even i have a very hard work used hammer and lifting weights can i get back at my work now or no please tell me
Only your surgeon would be able to give you work clearance. I suggest following up with them to get the best direction.
Ok Doctor. Great video. Thanks for posting it. I’m schedualed to have a laminectomy from the L2,3,4,5,and S1. Im worried about taking that much bone mass. Is it going to weaken my spine. I mean I can function. But injections don’t last. I do have a disc herniation also. But I do have stenosis. Should I wait longer or do the operation now at 53?
I guess my biggest question is can I still do carpentry work, ride Jet skis, launch my boat and fish and weed whack my huge yard with that many bones being dissected?
If I wait longer before the surgery can the stenosis cause a permanent nerve damage? I’m just don’t know what to do. I haven’t fully committed to the surgery but it has been approved with insurance and I do have a tentative date. But dang I’m scared. I don’t want to make a mistake. Because once it’s done there no going back. Please shoot me some solid advise. That’s a lot of bone to grind out.
Hello John, I can't comment on your specific case, but I would definitely bring up your questions/concerns to your treating doctors to get their answers!
Please find a good neurosurgeon!
My neighbor who is 35 had laminectomy and now she messed up . After surgery she developed infections which almost killed her . Now she Walt with cabe and it has been 2 years . She needs more surgeries because 1 surgery left her in terrible situación. Doctor told her that’s how is going to be her quality of life .
She recommended me to find a good neurosurgeon to have laminectomy .
Hi, did you do surgery? I'm up to surgery too but I have all your concerns too,if you did share your experience. Thx
I have severe pain in my shoulder blades. Also, my whole left side from my arm pit down to my waist will go numb. Having C4-C7 Laminectomies & Foraminotomies on 3/12/2024. Do you think that will make things better for me? My surgeon isn’t a big talker.
Impossible for me to say- I would ensure that you are asking your surgeon every question you would like answered. Hope you are able to find relief.
Question - is there a minimally invasive procedure as opposed to an open one?
Yes, in general, a Laminotomy is a "more" minimally-invasive procedure than a Laminectomy, however some surgeons use the terms interchangeably.
I m having a severe disc bulge at t12-l1 and also at l3 l4 and l5. More severe af t12l1. I have been suggested laminectomy at t12l1. What are the risks. Given u r in early 30s
Here is a great article with the risks- www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/laminectomy
6:52 I had a laminectomy 4 weeks ago. I still experience nerve pain in my leg and ankle - is this normal?
I'd recommend asking your surgeon!
What would you recommend as an alternative?
In general, movement-based healthcare (chiropractic, physical therapy, etc.)
I have right foramina stenosis for a year now. I am 72 years old. I also suffer from diabetes and chronic gastritis accompanied with constipation. I tried medicines, massage, acupuncture,chiropractic etc but without relief I have pain in the morning at the buttock and calf area of the right leg. I can walk half an hour although with some pain and discomfort. Do I need surgery or may have other options. In view of likely risks at this age I am unable to decide about surgery. Kindly advise options ,if any for me.
Hello, I can't comment on your specific situation, but I recommend reaching out to local doctors to evaluate you and provide a care plan. 70+ is not too old to find a great quality of life!
On 8/7/23 I will be getting L5 S1 fusion with L4 S1 laminectomy. How much time do you thin it will take to recover from that? Do you think that my pain will be gone when i wake up from surgery? Thanks for answering me
Wish you the best with the surgery. You'll have to ask your surgeon because your recovery will depend alot upon his/her technique and approach to the surgery.
Hi, will you share your experience if you did surgery and let us know how was it and recovery and you're happy or not?thx
Yes, please. I would like to know how are you doing with your surgery. My husband 73y/o had similar recently. He feels pain in his left leg. Thank you.😊
Can i ask a very dumb question?
Doesn’t our spines not need the “roof”? To stabilise?
Most of the lamina is non-weightbearing, so it plays only a very small role in overall stability.
Don’t these procedures disconnect the cable/tissue that connects to the back of your head which over time will cause the head to droop over time due to a lack of support??
Not necessarily, but it does effect the structural integrity.
Hello Sir...
I have undergone laminectomy 2 years back for decompression at D11 and D12 ...but i am getting severe muscle pain only near the surgical area..if someone press that area or massage i get relief...i am not able to sleep ...pls let me know why is this pain..
Hello, while I can't give specific medical advice if you're experiencing pain near the surgical site, it may be prudent to visit the surgeon for further evaluation.
I believe they also remove the spinous process during a laminectomy, do they not?
The short answer would be - it depends. You are correct that many laminectomies take at least a portion of the spinous process but I’ve found “how much” to be surgeon and pathology dependent.
Oh good to know.. Thank you
Yup- often at least a portion of the spinous is removed- how much is removed often depends on the surgeon (and where exactly the problem is located)
Hi Dr Jeff, if i can i ask you.. In fact, my 74-year-old father underwent a laminectomy operation that resulted in c4, c5 and c6 being removed and partial laminectomy at c3 and c7. Dr. suggests to install the implant after 10 weeks.
1. Will it help my father to survive or what will be the impact if I refuse / do not agree to allow the operation to install an implant to support the missing bone. Does my father have a chance to recover without implants?
2. And if it can heal, how long will it take to heal completely or survive without a bone implant? The history is that my father fell alone at home resulting in a pinched spinal cord. Without the laminectomy my father's right hand would be paralyzed. But until now my father's hands are so weak that his fingers cannot function like grasping or holding something. Due to lack of movement, my father's hand is bent like a stroke patient.
I would like to start by thanking Dr. Jeff for your willingness to answer my questions. May God Bless You. Lots of Love from your new fans in Malaysia❤
❤
Hello, thank you for your questions. While I can't answer any specifically about your father's case, I can provide some general information. Question number one will need to be asked of your surgeon. Since they are familiar with every aspect of your father's case, they should be able to provide a clear and direct answer. For question number two, patients can often recover from fusion-based procedures relatively quickly. Many people can return to simple activities within a few weeks, although complete healing can take up to one year. Again, I would recommend asking your surgeon for specifics regarding your father. I wish you both the best.
Hi Doc, i had a Laminectomy on my L4-S1 on 091421 and another on for L2-L4 last 032823. I still have pain and weakness on both legs. I've done 3 Epidural shots, PT, Massage , NSAIDs and now Accupuncture for 11 weeks now
Anything else i can do to remove my pain and weakness on my legs? I'm 61 years old. Thanks!
Hello, sorry to hear about your continued pain. I would check with your doctors to see what conservative, movement based modalities they would recommend!
Also ask your doctor about prp shots. It’s when they remove your blood spin it and inject it into the affected areas. It helps with information. It helped me a ton with pain.
After having a sugar on laminectomy can you give birth again and how long will you take after surgery before getting pregnant
Highly varies depending on the surgery and surgeon. I would recommend asking the surgeon.
My husband had this surgery, it's a very difficult surgery to recover from.
Hope he is doing well now :)
Thx dr, i was required by surgeon to do laminectomy l4 l5 ,but i refused because i read it won't take pain form back and work on legs and 2nd ,fusion is definitely in near future ,so I'm seeing another surgeon specialist in minimal invasive incisions to do that type of surgery.
QUESTION? Perhaps a bit too late... At the first days of November 2022 I was first diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis of my right femur head and neck. I was scheduled to have a complete hip replacement three later, approximately the end of Jan. 2023. I continued taking ballet classes to do what I could to help with recovery. In the middle of November my right foot went numb. I stopped taking class around 4:30 PM. By 11:00 PM my entire leg was numb with a pain scale 1-10, my pain was 11. Speaking with several different doctors, my hip replacement was postponed. On Dec. 2, 2022 I got a laminectomy on my L5. After the surgery, there was less pain, but no feeling or muscle control below my right knee. It is Jan. 3, 2023 and I still do not have any ability to move my right foot; up, down, or side to side. PLEASE HELP? PLEASE say something....
i'm sorry to hear about your challenge. i would follow-up with the surgeon who performed the surgery and explain everything to them. i can't comment specifically on your case however in general, if there is a lack of feeling or muscular strength it may be due to a nerve issue, either damage prior to, or during the surgery.
It could take time for the nerve damage to heal. I had my surgery last week and my leg has numbness on the left side of my leg just not as bad as before.
Just take it easy, nerve has time to heal.
I had a "supposed" minimal invasive Laminectomy where a spring like U shaped clip was inserted between L4 and L5.
I had thirty days of excoriated pain and another 18 days of lesser pain and no relief from my sciatica after that. I will be going to one or two specialists for a second surgery!
Sorry to hear of your continued issues- sounds like a intra-spinous or intra-laminar device.
My left foot raises itself off the floor and it is getting higher off the floor with time. Does spinal stenosis cause this? Pinched nerves?
Hello- I'm not sure and can't comment specifically. I'd recommend getting an evaluation from a local doctor to help!
Medical doctor?
Questions? Drop them here!
You doctores should give educationalessens to W.C.B IN THE WHOLE COUNTRY.,when back injury occurs to staff they want to get rid of person and find reason to get rid as soon as possible.or the patient is wrong or has many other problem but not back injury.
What is the difference between a laminectomy and ACDF surgery?
ACDF is a cervical (neck) fusion surgery that places a plate through the front of your neck. A laminectomy can be either performed on the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine. It's usually from the back (posterior approach) and can be done alone or in conjunction with a fusion.
Before going for laminectomy or any surgery in the neck of the spine, please try a licensed Chiropractor first--someone who specializes and takes x-ray of the neck followed by spinal adjustment of upper cervicals(C-1 and C-2). In over 90 % of the cases, low backache and leg pain are caused by subluxation of the neck. That's something many health professionals are not yet aware of.
Subluxation means a loss of a normal alignment of a vertebra/e resulting in nerve compression/irritation.
I am having a laminectomy, and you did not make me feel better😢
Hope you're able to find relief!
The difference with a lominectomy
NO CHIROPRACTORS EVER!!!!!
The surgeon damaged me. I cannot stand. I cannot walk and I am physical pain constantly.
I'm sorry to hear about your challenges and hope you can find relief.
Wow😢.. I'm having thoughts now jus did mines 08/16/23
@@spontaneouscee3018 how are u now?
Had a lamenectomy while in the army....a month later deployed to Iraq...15 years later...the LBP is agony...and has effective my ability to maintain steady work....can this be "fixed" ?
Hey Sean, great question. I can't comment on your specific situation, but I can say that many people who have previous surgery, and chronic pain are able to find relief. In my opinion, there is extensive research supporting movement-based care to find relief. Everyone is different and you should consult a doc locally to get the best plan for you. Hope you're able to find relief!
Hi Dr, I have received the results of an X-ray on my lower spine and am awaiting an MRI scan. The X-ray has found: “lumbar spine severe L4-5, L5-S1 disc collapsed with bone on bone impression, Spinal stenosis of the lower spine. Is this a ‘no other option’ scenario to fix the problem but laminectomy or other surgical procedure? Thx in advance.
Hello, I can't give specific medical information, but in general- an MRI should be able to give a much better idea of the issues. In general, "severe" stenosis does not automatically mean surgery is the only option- however, a detailed examination and history are needed to create the best care plan for you.