Surgical spinal decompression is the process that focuses on removing excess arthritic tissue compressing the spinal cord or the nerves on the spinal canal, which can relieve symptoms and prevent further damage.
If you imagine the spine as a skyscraper, 31 levels in total, then the spinal canal is the elevator shaft, extending from from your head all the way to your tailbone (from penthouse to basement). The spinal cord and nerves run up and down in this canal.
In the neck this condition causes cervical myelopathy. In the lower back the condition causes neurogenic claudication. Thoracic spine involvement, where the ribs are attached, is rare.
There are multiple methods to remove arthritic tissue from the spinal canal. I’ll determine the best approach for your condition during your consultation. To schedule an appointment, please contact my team.
Your recovery will depend on the purpose of the surgery. For cervical myelopathy treatment, please refer to this information here.
Yes, it is.
Many patients go home within 12-18 hours, with a small 1-inch incision. Modern techniques have made this surgery minimally invasive, leading to faster recovery.
The risks we’ll discuss include:
Infections are very rare due to modern practices including:
In rare cases, symptoms may persist even after surgery.
Fortunately very rare due to modern surgical techniques.
Rarely causes a problem.
For lower back issues, I can offer 2-3 non-surgical options. However, for the neck, spinal decompression is typically the only option due to the severity of cervical myelopathy.
If you do have narrowing in the neck or have been diagnosed with cervical myelopathy, contact my team to book an urgent appointment.
Spinal decompression surgery is well tolerated and patients typically leave the hospital after 12-72 hours.
Once you’re back home, you need to commit to a full recovery period. Patients often think they just need to rest to recover from surgery, but that’s a general misconception.
Recovery is like compound interest; if you do the time, you’ll get the best result. If you shortchange yourself and bail out early, you’ll miss out on significant long-term benefits.
For the lower back the procedure is rhizolysis. For the neck the operation is either an ACDF or a cervical laminectomy. At the appointment I will be able to tell you which one is best for you and your condition.
Spinal decompression surgery is highly successful, with consistently good outcomes for patients.
Yes it’s very common, both for the neck and lower back.
Generally no. I can give you a clearer idea of what to expect once I’ve seen you and your scan results.
Typically no. Spinal decompression surgery is well tolerated by patients and early discharge home is common, averaging between 12-72 hours.
This is always an option for the lower back. I can give you a clearer idea of what to expect in the future with this option once I’ve seen you and your scan results.
It is not a recommended option for the neck however, as cervical myelopathy is a very serious condition that requires prompt surgical treatment.
The scar for spinal decompression in either the lower back or the neck usually heals well with good cosmetic results.
For an ACDF there are some sutures, which I will remove for you a week after surgery. For the other operations, the stitches are dissolvable and don’t need removal.
Generally between 12 and 72 hours.
I recommend a minimum of 2 weeks off work to get your confidence back and feel comfortable.
Physiotherapy has a very important role post-operatively. It helps reduce post-surgery muscle soreness and stiffness.
