Lower Back Pain Treatment - Benefits and Risks of a Laminectomy

spinal stenosis

According to most experts, only about five percentage of those with back pain require surgery and only after other conservative methods have been tried. That is the good news however if you are one of the five percentage facing surgery, the prospects of going under the knife can be scary. So the question is what are the common types of back surgery and how successful are they?

One of the most common types is a laminectomy. A laminectomy broadens the spinal canal by removing one or both sides of the lamina. The lamina is part of the vertebral bone removing a piece of the lamina decreases pressure on the spinal cord caused by spinal stenosis. The surgery involves an incision or two incisions in the small of the back. The surgeon opens the back spreads the underlying muscle and removes the portion of the lamina and the herniated disc that is pressing against the nerve. The doctor usually will also create a space around the nerve to ensure that the vertebra or disc does not come in contact with the nerve.

The average success rate for this surgery is 80%. Of Those eighty percent 10-20% return for another back surgery. Failed back surgery even has a name "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome". Most back surgeries can take up to one to one and a half years to fully recover. In my own case it's been nine months and although I am back at work and can do most everything except heavy lifting I still have some pain and discomfort.

Surgery may be the answer for some back problems. But it is important to know all the facts, risks and success rates. Having an open and frank discussion with your doctor is vital. Also be sure to explore other more conservative, non-invasive treatments first. But how do you prevent and or cure lower back pain? How do you lose the pain and get on with your life? Well the answer is to find a system that strengthens the back and abdominal muscles correcting muscle imbalance.

One of the top rated programs is This program developed by The Healthy Back Institute has helped thousands to lose their back pain for good. The Lose The Back Pain System custom designs a program of specific movements and exercises tailored to your exact needs.