Lumbar decompression (laminectomy) is an operation to relieve pressure on the nerves in the lower back caused by spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal due to degenerative changes. It is one of the most common procedures performed on the ageing spine.
An incision is made in the midline of the lower back over the affected levels. Part of the lamina (the bone forming the back wall of the spinal canal) is removed, along with thickened ligament and any other tissue compressing the nerves. This creates more space for the nerves. One or more levels may be decompressed. The operation takes one to two hours.
Surgery is recommended when spinal stenosis causes significant leg pain, numbness, and weakness (neurogenic claudication) — typically pain that worsens with walking and standing and improves with sitting or bending forward — that has not responded to non-operative treatment.
Physiotherapy, pain medication, epidural injections, activity modification, and the use of a walking frame or trolley (which encourages the forward lean that relieves symptoms). Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition that tends to worsen slowly over time.
Standard pre-assessment. MRI scan confirms the diagnosis. This may be a day-case or involve an overnight stay.
The aim is to improve walking distance and reduce leg symptoms. Most patients experience significant improvement in leg pain and walking capacity. Back pain may also improve but is less predictable.
Some increase in back stiffness is common after surgery.
Some numbness or tingling may persist, particularly if symptoms were long-standing.
Stenosis may recur over time as the degenerative process continues.
A tear in the membrane covering the nerves. Occurs in approximately 5–10% of cases and is usually repaired during surgery.
Rare damage to nerve roots.
Wound infection in approximately 1–2%.
Removing bone may cause the spine to become less stable, potentially requiring fusion in the future.
Blood collection around the nerves requiring urgent drainage.
Extremely rare but serious compression of the nerves.
General anaesthesia. Positioned face-down on a specialised operating table.
Most patients stay in hospital for one to two days. Walking is encouraged from the first day. Recovery is gradual — improvement occurs over weeks to months. Return to desk work at two to six weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and bending for six weeks. Physiotherapy helps restore mobility and strength.
Wound check at one to two weeks. Surgeon review at six weeks.
Most patients experience significant improvement in walking distance and leg symptoms. However, some residual symptoms may persist, particularly if the stenosis was severe or long-standing.
Yes, as the degenerative process continues, symptoms may recur over years. Further surgery is possible if needed.
No. A discectomy removes a herniated disc fragment. A laminectomy removes bone and ligament to widen the spinal canal. They are different operations for different conditions.