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Lumbar Surgery

A lumbar laminectomy/discectomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure aimed at removing fragments of an extruded herniated disc. The simplified depiction of the procedure is as follows:

The surgeon begins by making an incision through the skin, slightly off the centerline of the spine. This exposes the bony area of the vertebra, known as the lamina. A small portion of the lamina is then removed, a step referred to as a laminectomy.
To gain access to the nerves and the extruded disc material, the ligamentum flavum, a ligament in the spine, is carefully reflected back.
For improved visibility and access to the extruded disc fragments, the spinal nerve is gently retracted or moved back. The surgeon proceeds to remove the damaged disc fragments, a procedure known as discectomy.

Following surgery, physical therapy is typically prescribed as part of the rehabilitation process. While the specifics of rehabilitation may vary for each individual, treatment often includes flexibility exercises, lumbar stabilization/core strengthening exercises, and aerobic exercises. Research studies have indicated that patients who undergo physical therapy after lumbar discectomy tend to achieve better outcomes compared to those who do not receive physical therapy.

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