Spinal Decompression Surgery in Plano, TX
Specialties
Get Relief With Spinal Decompression Surgery in Plano, TX at Advanced Spine Center
Individuals suffering from conditions that put pressure on the spinal nerves can benefit from spinal decompression surgery in Plano, TX. The medical team at Advanced Spine Center provides professional, reliable care for nerve compression.
Dr. Stephen Courtney, MD, is a local spine specialist with expertise in minimally invasive spinal surgery. His 28 years of experience have prepared him to handle a wide range of spinal-related health issues. He prioritizes personalized care tailored to your needs. If you’re ready to relieve pain and other symptoms associated with spinal compression, schedule an appointment with his team at the Advanced Spine Center. You can call us at (972) 499-5457 or contact us online today.
What Is Spinal Decompression Surgery?
Compressed nerves in your spine can cause pain and other serious symptoms. Some of the most common causes of nerve compression include herniated discs and lumbar spinal stenosis. In some cases, patients find relief through nonsurgical treatments such as epidural steroid injections or physical therapy. However, when the condition does not respond to conservative care or a patient’s pain levels increase, surgery may be the best treatment.
Spinal decompression surgeries in Plano, TX relieve pressure on nerves and the spinal cord. Doctors accomplish this by removing damaged discs, bone spurs, or other material that is causing pressure.
Conditions Treated With Spinal Decompression
Our Plano, TX spine surgeon offers personalized care for each patient, finding the best surgical options for their condition. Spine surgery may benefit you if you’re suffering from any of the following conditions.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back. The lack of space means that pressure can affect the spinal cord directly or the nerves exiting your spine between vertebrae. This condition often causes lower back and leg pain, numbness, and weakness.
Herniated or Bulging Discs
When disc material becomes displaced or bulges out, it can put pressure on the spinal nerves. Both herniated and bulging discs may be caused by injury or degenerative conditions. Depending on the location of disc damage, patients may feel back or neck pain. Sometimes, pain radiates to the arms or legs.
Spinal Compression and Nerve Injury
It is important to seek professional care for any spinal compression early. The longer the compression is left untreated, the more damage your nerves suffer. Serious nerve injuries can lead to chronic pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, impaired mobility, loss of sensation, and much more.
Types of Spinal Decompression Surgery at Advanced Spine Center
If you’re ready to relieve pressure caused by spinal conditions, don’t wait to call us. Advanced Spine Center’s Texas spine specialists are waiting to help you. We’ll study your condition thoroughly to determine the right treatment. Our team offers several spine decompression surgeries in Plano, TX, including the following.
Discectomy
A discectomy (also called diskectomy) involves removing the part of damaged disc material that is pressing on a nerve. This spine surgery helps relieve back pain, leg pain, and other nerve symptoms. It is often used for herniated discs in the lower spine and can be performed as a standalone procedure or with spinal fusion. To learn more about discectomy in Plano, TX, call our team today.
Microdiscectomy
This procedure is a minimally invasive version of a discectomy. Texas back surgeons use smaller incisions and specialized tools, which leads to less muscle disruption. Fewer disruptions mean that many patients have a faster recovery process after a Plano, TX lumbar microdiscectomy. Doctors often opt for microdiscectomy for those experiencing back pain and sciatica due to nerve compression.
Laminectomy
The lamina is the back part of the vertebral bone. During a Plano, Texas laminectomy, the surgeon removes either part of or all of the lamina. Removal creates more space in the spinal canal and relieves pressure on nerve roots. Often used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis, this surgery may be combined with spinal fusion for increased spinal stability.
Laminotomy
Like a laminectomy, a laminotomy targets the lamina. However, laminotomy involves removing only a small portion of the lamina. This allows Plano spine surgeons to relieve localized spinal compression and pinched nerves while preserving more of the spine. Laminotomy in Plano often results in quicker recovery than more extensive procedures.
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression Surgery
To reduce damage to the surrounding muscles and tissue, our doctors may recommend minimally invasive lumbar decompression in Plano, Texas. Our surgeon uses small incisions and advanced tools to address pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Generally, minimally invasive techniques result in a shorter recovery process and less postoperative pain. This surgery is often combined with physical therapy for optimal results.
When Is Spinal Fusion Needed With Decompression Surgery?
While decompression surgery relieves pressure on nerves, spinal fusion addresses spinal instability by fusing two or more vertebrae together. Since decompression often involves removing bone or disc material, the spinal column may need to be reinforced. If you had instability prior to surgery, it is more likely that doctors will recommend this procedure. It can also be used to fix deformities or degenerative problems.
Combining these two treatments relieves pain and prevents harmful movement. Patients who undergo spinal fusion are less likely to develop post-surgical deformities. Furthermore, this procedure reduces the risk of recurring issues in the treated area. If you’re interested in Plano, TX lumbar fusion, speak with our team today. We’ll let you know if we think combining spinal fusion with decompression surgery is the best option for you.
Benefits of Spinal Decompression Surgery
There are many potential benefits from surgical treatment for spinal nerve compression. The most common benefits of Texas spinal decompression surgery include:
- Relief from chronic back pain
- Reduced nerve pressure and improved mobility
- Prevention of further nerve injury
- Improved quality of life
A Plano spine specialist can help you determine if your condition qualifies for surgery.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive techniques to protect your muscles and other tissues against unnecessary disruption. In addition to reducing the time to heal, minimally invasive surgery also reduces the risk of blood clots, dural tears, and similar issues. You will be placed under either local or general anesthesia, depending on your specific circumstances. Approximate surgical timelines are as follows:
- Discectomy: 1-2 hours
- Microdecectomy: 0.5-2 hours
- Laminectomy: 1-3 hours
- Laminotomy: 1-1.5 hours
- Minimally invasive lumbar decompression: 0.50-2 hours
The team at Advanced Spine Center ensures that our patients know what’s coming before committing to any procedure.
The Recovery Process After Spinal Decompression Surgery
Recovery timelines will vary a bit between different patients and different surgical procedures. Generally speaking, most patients can return to light activities and work within two to four weeks after surgery. Complete recovery typically takes longer, ranging from six to twelve weeks. To aid your recovery, carefully follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions and attend any follow-up appointments.
During early recovery, it is crucial to keep your incision site clean. Doctors will issue medication to help regulate pain. You can also use hot or cold packs for 20 minutes at a time. Be sure to rest as much as possible. After some time, you will begin a guided physical therapy program to rebuild strength and regain mobility.
Spinal Decompression FAQs
Does spinal decompression work for herniated discs?
Yes, spinal decompression surgery can help individuals with a herniated disc. Texas spine doctors usually recommend discectomy or microdiscectomy surgeries for this condition.
How long does back pain last after spinal decompression surgery?
The initial high-to-moderate pain levels following surgery will decrease within about 2-4 weeks. Complete pain relief may take longer.
How long will I need physical therapy after spinal decompression surgery?
You may need physical therapy for as little as 4-6 weeks, or as long as 3-6 months. The length of your program will depend on your condition and the type of surgery you had.
How successful is spinal decompression surgery for back pain?
Spinal decompression surgeries generally have a high success rate for relieving back pain. Recent studies show that laminectomy has a 90% success rate with 75% patient satisfaction, while discectomy has a 60-90% success rate.
Schedule a Consultation for Spinal Decompression Surgery in Plano, TX. Contact Advanced Spine Center Today.
Don’t prolong your suffering any longer. Take the first step towards relieving symptoms today! Consult with a Plano, Texas spine surgeon at Advanced Spine Center. Our team is ready to go over your treatment options to relieve pressure and improve spinal stability in the lower, middle, and upper back. We offer personalized care focused on your particular needs, taking you one step closer to a pain-free lifestyle.
Find out more about spinal decompression surgery in Plano by calling Advanced Spine Center at (972) 499-5457 or by contacting us online.
