Table of Contents
- Overview
- Risks
- Recovery
- Prevention
- Images
Lumbar spinal surgery is used to correct problems with the spinal bones (vertebrae), disks, or nerves of the lower back (lumbar spine).
See also:
Alternative Names
Lumbar spinal surgery
Description
The spine consists of bones (vertebrae) separated by soft cushions (disks). Pressure on the nerves that branch off the spinal cord can produce pain,
Lumbar spinal surgery is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). A surgical cut is made over the area of the problem. The bone that curves around and covers the spinal cord and the tissue that presses on the nerve or spinal cord are removed.
The hole through which the nerve passes may be widened to prevent further pressure on the nerve. Sometimes, spinal fusion is necessary to stabilize the area.
Indications
Patients with spinal pain in the neck or back are usually treated conservatively before surgery is considered. This includes bedrest,
Symptoms of lumbar spine problems that may require surgery at some point include:
- Pain that extends (radiates) from the back to the buttocks or back of thigh
- Pain that interferes with daily activities
- Weakness of legs or feet
- Numbness of legs, feet, or toes
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
Immediately call your health care provider or go to the local emergency room if you have numbness in your groin area and problems with urinary or bowel control. This could suggest cauda equina syndrome, which is a medical emergency.
Review Date: 09/21/2006
Reviewed By: Jeffrey Kauffman, MD, Sacramento Knee and Sports Medicine,
Sacramento, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
