Neurosurgeon's Post Laminectomy Treatment

A laminectomy is an operation to remove a piece of spinal disk or bone to make more room for pinched nerves and the spinal cord. It is performed to reduce back pain.

Incision Care

• The doctor will recommend keeping the incision dry and checking body temperature for fever.

Physical Activities

• A doctor might recommend physical therapy, walking, and/or special exercises.

Medications

• Patients may have to take pain medication. Always take medication as prescribed.

Post-laminectomy Pain

• For persistent pain, a doctor may prescribe a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit that sends small electrical impulses to the area to block pain signals. Other pain treatments include stabilization exercises, injections to alleviate pain, and removal of scar tissue.

New Pain Treatments

• Two newer treatments include prolotherapy and the administration of platelet rich plasma, both of which stimulate irritated tissue to initiate repair around the area.

Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma

• Prolotherapy describes the injection of a sugar water solution into the affected area, which causes inflammation and starts the repair process. Platelet rich plasma treatment involves withdrawing blood from the patient and injecting a reduced form of it into the injured area.