Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a surgical procedure to release pressure on the compressed spinal nerve and restore its function. The spinal nerve compression may occur as a result of several spine conditions, such as herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and sciatica that cause pain, numbness and tingling sensation or weakness in your arms or legs. Dr. Nicholas Spina is a fellowship-trained Orthopaedic spine specialist at the University of Utah who specializes in spinal decompression and provides diagnosis and individualized operative treatment plans in Salt Lake City and Farmington, Utah. He also provides highly specialized care during and after surgery. Contact Dr. Spina’s team for an appointment today!
What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a treatment to relieve pressure on one or many “pinched nerves” in the spinal column. It can be achieved either surgically or by non-surgical methods. Spinal decompression is used to treat conditions that cause chronic backaches such as herniated disc, disc bulge, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.
What is the Surgical Method of Spinal Decompression?
Surgical spinal decompression is performed by two procedures:
- Microdiscectomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the removal of a portion of a herniated nucleus pulposus by a surgical instrument or laser.
- Laminectomy: This is a procedure in which a small portion of the arch of the vertebrae is removed to relieve pressure on the pinched nerve. This is performed as a last resort when conservative treatments fail to provide relief from back pain.
If you would like to have additional information on various conditions affecting the spine or would like to learn more about spinal decompression, please contact the office of Dr. Nicholas Spina, spine surgeon serving the communities of Salt Lake City and Farmington, Utah.