Types of Back Surgery

Back pain strikes millions of people because of aging, injuries, or normal wear and tear. When therapy and medications fail to work, back surgery may be the only alternative. The type of surgery depends on the injury or condition that must be relieved.

Discectomy

• A discectomy is an open surgery in which a portion of herniated vertebra is removed to ease pain radiating down an arm or leg due to an inflamed nerve.

Laminectomy

• A laminectomy broadens the spinal canal by removing one or both sides of the lamina. It decreases pressure on the spinal cord caused by spinal stenosis.

Nucleoplasty

• A nucleoplasty is performed on people suffering from low back pain because of a herniated disk. A radiofrequency energy wand is inserted into the herniated disk to remove material causing the inflammation.

Spinal Fusion

• A spinal fusion is performed using bone grafts or metal devices and screws to connect one or more bones in the spine to increase spinal stability and relieve pain.

Vertebroplasty

• A vertebroplasty relieves pain and supports osteoporotic compression fractures by injecting cement into the vertebral bone.

Other

• Other types of back surgery include artificial disk implants, spinal cord stimulation, foraminotomy, and IntraDiscal Electrothermal Therapy.