A surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or on a nerve root emerging from the cord. Spinal cord decompression is performed to treat conditions such as disk prolapse (a ruptured disk), spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), a tumor, or a vertebral fracture. Surgery is usually indicated when the problem becomes disabling or interferes with walking or bladder or bowel control.
Surgery is performed to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root emerging from it. The source of this pressure can vary, ranging from a herniated disc (commonly known as a “slipped” disc), to a tumor or abscess affecting the spinal cord, or even a tumor, abscess, or fracture of the vertebrae. Any of these conditions have the potential to cause limb weakness, paralysis, and loss of bladder control.
In order to address significant disc prolapses and tumors, a surgical procedure called laminectomy may be conducted. This procedure involves the removal of the bony arches of one or more vertebrae to provide access to the affected area of the spinal cord or nerve roots.
The recovery following treatment is contingent upon several factors, including the severity and duration of the pressure, the effectiveness of the surgery in alleviating the pressure, and whether any nerve damage occurred during the operation.