What is a Laminectomy? | Spine Surgery Basics

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 YouTube channel sits right at the intersection of research and marketing. All to help you grow and develop your practice.

Learn more at-

[NeoThabo]

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.

[Michelle-wkek]

I gad a laminectomy in 1988 aged 27 I’m 64 now and it’s been great 😊

[tammeiarhodes]

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 maybe lol😊

[johnniemiec]

I was recommended spinal fusion. I told my doctor I did not want it because over time it can really mess up your entire spine. He mentioned laminectomy. I am scheduled for surgery. Do you think this is a good idea if he thinks that spinal fusion is my only relief?

[jonguerr]

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!

[geraldinetaeckens]

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

[rehabfix]

Commenting for the algorithm, you the best Dr. Jeff!

[ryleehankins]

What would be the physical therapy protocol or plan of care provided for one trying to avoid a laminectomy?

[johnhancock]

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.

[lmizzlyndbebel]

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❤
❤

[bonnieketterman]

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

[deangelomartinez]

Thank you for this video, my laminectomy is coming up on the 27th. Hopefully this helps because this is my last option.

[samconway]

So will a ruptured disc heal??
I have a ruptured disc on L3 L4 left side of it. The surgeon wants to do this procedure. He said the nucleus is pushing on the nerves, but he also said if he does this procedure, I will probably have another surgery in 5 to 7 years. I don't know what that is.
I had so much pain two weeks ago I could not walk. But with that said, I'm walking today and doing really well every day I'm improving more and more.

[umatayakubu]

After having a sugar on laminectomy can you give birth again and how long will you take after surgery before getting pregnant

[jrobinson]

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.

[raqueljohnson]

What would you recommend as an alternative?

[sumandas]

Is it necessary to stabilise spine with pedicle screw and connecting rod after laminectomy??

[casperrossouw]

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.

[polishyourlife]

Great explanation, thank you for producing such valuable content! Chiropractic can help prevent the need for a laminectomy or other spine surgery.

[markgoldstein]

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?