What is the recovery time for a laminectomy?
After a minor (decompressive) laminectomy, you are usually able to return to light activity (desk work and light housekeeping) within a few days to a few weeks. If you also had spinal fusion with your laminectomy, your recovery time will likely be longer — from two to four months.
Can you live a normal life after a laminectomy?
It should be noted that an open laminectomy with or without fusion does not bring the spine back to its complete normal functioning and flexibility. A small degree of increased flexibility or stiffness is usually present and usually remains life-long.
What can I expect after a Post op laminectomy?
You can expect your back to feel stiff or sore after surgery. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long and may need pain medicine in the weeks after your surgery.
How long before nerve pain goes away after laminectomy?
Sometimes this is a temporary condition as the nerve root or roots take time to heal. This can take days to weeks. If the pain is still there after 3 months, it is unlikely to improve on its own.
How successful is laminectomy surgery?
Laminectomy enlarges your spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, and has about an 80 percent success rate at improving walking abilities. In some cases, surgeons also perform spinal fusions, connecting two or more bones in the back, to help stabilize the spine.
Is laminectomy major surgery?
Laminectomy is a common but major surgery with significant risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options available.
How serious is laminectomy surgery?
Laminectomy is generally a safe procedure. But as with any surgery, complications may occur. Potential complications include: Bleeding.
How bad is pain after laminectomy?
It is very common to experience lower limb pain 2-‐4 days post surgery and again after 3 weeks. Usually this pain is less than the pain you had before surgery but in some cases it can be severe and quite stressful.
How do you know when nerves are healing?
How do I know the nerve is recovering? As your nerve recovers, the area the nerve supplies may feel quite unpleasant and tingly. This may be accompanied by an electric shock sensation at the level of the growing nerve fibres; the location of this sensation should move as the nerve heals and grows.
Why do Laminectomies fail?
One of the most common causes is damage to the spinal nerve root. This damage may not have been caused by the surgery itself, but the procedure did not help it recover from the trauma it previously experienced. Another possible cause is the formation of scar tissue as the body tries to heal itself after surgery.
How to recover from an open laminectomy surgery?
Recovery after an open laminectomy surgery typically depends on the fitness and level of activity prior to surgery. A course of physical therapy may be advised to improve pre-surgical activity level in order to encourage better recovery after surgery.
Are there any side effects of a laminectomy?
Laminectomy is generally a safe procedure. But as with any surgery, complications may occur. Potential complications include: You’ll need to avoid eating and drinking for a certain amount of time before surgery.
Can you take NSAIDs after a laminectomy surgery?
It is important to note that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not advised after a laminectomy surgery because these may delay bone healing. 3 Stool-softeners. Stool-softeners may be required in the initial weeks after surgery to prevent constipation from stress, fear of pain, and medications (such as opioids).
When do you need A laminectomy at the Mayo Clinic?
In some situations, laminectomy may be necessary as part of surgery to treat a herniated spinal disk. Your surgeon may need to remove part of the lamina to gain access to the damaged disk. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic