Who Is a Good Candidate for Spinal Decompression Surgery?

What is spinal decompression surgery?

The term “spinal decompression surgery” refers to a group of surgical procedures designed to reduce back or neck pain and/or weakness and numbness in the extremities. The goal of spinal decompression is to reduce or remove pressure on the spinal column and nerves. Spinal decompression surgery may involve:

• shaving bone to allow room for spinal nerves.
• removing an intervertebral disc and fusing two vertebrae together.
• scooping out part of a disc pushing on a nerve.

Who is a good candidate for spinal decompression surgery?

Spinal decompression surgery may be recommended in the following situations:

• Certain spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis, symptomatic degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, bulging discs, sciatica, or pinched nerves
• No improvement in symptoms after six to 12 weeks of conservative treatment
• Moderate to severe pain
• Symptoms that interfere with daily life
• Risk of spinal cord damage

Individuals should consult an orthopedic or neurosurgeon with experience in spinal decompression to determine if they are an appropriate candidate for surgery.