Back pain is one of the most widespread health issues in the world. For many people, non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections are enough to offer relief. But sometimes, these methods don’t help, or the condition worsens, meaning spine surgery becomes a key step in restoring mobility and quality of life. But what is the most common spine surgery? That would be spinal decompression surgery!
With that being said, let’s take a closer look at what exactly spinal decompression surgery is, why it is so common, and some conditions that might require this specific intervention.
Spinal decompression surgery is one of the most frequently performed procedures on the spine. It’s used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves that are caused by conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs.
When nerves are compressed due to this pressure, patients often experience symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, especially in the arms or legs. Decompression can be done through several surgical techniques, including laminectomy, discectomy, or foraminotomy, depending on where the pressure is and what’s causing it.
In many cases, this surgery is minimally invasive, meaning a shorter recovery time and fewer complications than traditional open surgery. Patients typically find fairly significant relief after decompression, especially when nerve compression is the main issue behind their symptoms.
There are quite a few reasons why spinal decompression tops the list of the most common spine surgeries.
Spinal decompression surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure, mainly because it is used to treat a wide range of conditions involving nerve compression. Some of the most common issues treated are:
If a spinal disc begins to bulge or rupture, it can press on nearby nerves and cause severe pain or neurological symptoms. One specific form of decompression surgery called a discectomy, can remove the problematic portion of the disc in order to relieve pressure.
This condition involves spinal canal narrowing and is prevalent in older adults. A laminectomy, which removes part of the vertebra to widen the spinal canal, is often performed to alleviate associated symptoms.
As a person ages and the discs in their spine wear down, they can collapse or herniate. This, in turn, causes nerve compression and associated issues. Decompression may be recommended when conservative treatments no longer offer relief.
When one vertebra slips over another, it can pinch nerves and cause pain or weakness. Decompression is often combined with spinal fusion in these cases to both relieve pressure and stabilize the spine.
If your spine surgeon recommends decompression surgery, you can generally expect a straightforward process. Most procedures are minimally invasive, which means smaller incisions, less bleeding, and a shorter recovery time. In fact, many patients can go home the same day or at least within 24 hours. Recovery itself can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and your overall health, but most people can return to light activity within only a few weeks.
Physical therapy is often recommended as a follow-up to help you rebuild strength and ensure long-term success. While no surgery is without its risks, complications from decompression are relatively rare, especially in the hands of an experienced spine surgeon.
If you’re experiencing persistent back pain, numbness, or weakness, it might be time to consult a spine specialist. At Dr. Yashar’s practice, we specialize in spinal decompression and other advanced procedures to help you move freely again.
Call us today or schedule a consultation to see how we can help you get back to living pain-free!
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