Planning for Low Back Surgery

Having a low back problem can be frustrating. You may have pain when you sit or stand or walk. Merely lifting a basket of laundry may cause pain to shoot down your leg. But you don't have to live this way. Your doctor may have told you that either a laminotomy or a laminectomy is likely to reduce your pain. Read on to learn more about these procedures. Knowing what to expect can help your surgery and recovery go more smoothly.

When You Have Pain

Your back problem may be due to a sudden injury. Or aging and the wear and tear of constant use may have caused changes in your spine. When pain puts limits on your life and other treatments don't help, surgery may offer the best relief.

Surgery Can Help

Laminotomy and laminectomy are surgeries that remove a small amount of bone from the spine. This takes pressure off nerves in the low back, which greatly reduces symptoms. These surgeries are not cure-alls, but they are especially good at reducing leg pain.

How You Benefit

Most people feel better soon after their surgery. Many feel almost back to normal within 1 to 3 months. Having a laminotomy or a laminectomy almost always does the following:

• Reduces pain. Even the pain from surgery should be gone within weeks.
• Relieves leg pain from the hip down to the foot.
• Allows leg strength to improve. As the pain lessens, you'll be able to use your legs more. This rebuilds muscles.
• Reduces numbness in the affected leg.
• Improves quality of life. After surgery, you should be able to move with greater ease. Many people return to tasks and sports they did before their back problems started.

This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem. © 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030. www.krames.com 800-333-3032. All right reserved.