Spinal Laminectomies, Post-Operative Care

Surgical laminectomies are used for those with severe back pain with or without nerve involvement resulting in leg pain. Such symptoms are often caused by spinal stenosis which is a narrowing around the spinal nerves due to bulging discs, arthritic changes, etc. A laminectomy is a surgical procedure during which the surgeon removes part of the involved vertebra called the lamina. This increases the space where the nerves leave the spinal cord, decompression the nerve.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

• Localized pain to the neck/back pain
• Radiating pain into the arms or legs
• Weakness
• Numbness/tingling

HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP?

Following your surgery, your physical therapist will guide you through appropriate rehabilitation to ensure proper healing using a post-operative protocol starting with limitations in movements and/or activities. Treatment may also include manual techniques to reduce muscle tension and restore normal joint mechanics, flexibility stretches, and exercises to restore normal muscle activation. Your PT will also guide you through progressive exercises and stretches to regain functional range of motion and strength. To ensure proper rehabilitation, your PT will provide you with a home exercise program.