Cervical Laminectomy Defintion

Spinal stenosis is a fairly common spine condition that causes gradual narrowing of the spinal canal. Most people are familiar with this term over it’s not-so-distant cousin: cervical stenosis (just a figure of speech, clearly these conditions don’t have literal kinship). Nevertheless, cervical stenosis is the same condition, it just affects a different part of the spine. If you suffer from cervical stenosis, you may be experiencing pretty significant neck pain, pain or numbness that radiates to other extremities like the shoulders, arms and/or hands, or bladder/bowel impairment.

Fortunately, there is hope for those living with this painful condition. Dr. Mark Giovanini of NeuroMicroSpine may recommend a cervical laminectomy to remove the bone fragment(s) putting excess pressure on the cervical spine (neck). Continue reading for information on why you may need this procedure, how it’s performed, and how long it’ll take for you to recover!

First of all, let’s formally address what this procedure actually entails: a cervical laminectomy creates space for nerves leaving the spine by removing bone spurs, also called osteophytes, that put pressure on these nerve roots and the spinal cord. You may need this procedure if you’re experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned earlier (i.e. neck pain, radiating shoulder/arm/hand pain, numbness, etc.) and/or have become immobilized because of this condition (cervical stenosis).

You may be wondering how this procedure is performed. Dr. Giovanini typically begins this procedure with the patient on his or her stomach and by making a small incision in the back of the neck. Next, he will pull aside tissue to gain access to the back of the cervical spine. Dr. Giovanini will cut all or part of the lamina (roof the vertebrae) to relieve pressure. He may also remove bone spurs and other disc material that’s causing the compression and pain. After he has removed the necessary material(s), Dr. Giovanini will close the incision and send the patient to recovery.

For recovery, patients may need to spend a few hours up to a day in the hospital. Moreover, a postoperative training/rehabilitation program may be necessary to get patients back to their fully-functioning self. Patients may be cleared to drive two weeks after surgery and return to light activity/work after about 4 weeks. Talk to Dr. Mark Giovanini about a cervical laminectomy and whether or not this procedure is right for you.

For more information on minimally invasive spine surgery or to make an appointment with Dr. Giovanini, please call (850) 934-7545 or visit http://www.neuromicrospine.com/request-appointment.

We hope to see you soon!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.