Lumbar foraminotomy is an effective form of decompression surgery done to relieve pressure on your spinal nerves. The foremost reason to get this procedure is to widen the neuroforamen tunnel, through which nerves pass. The spine surgery is effective for reducing or eliminating many causes of lower back pain, including:
Getting your back checked by New Jersey’s top spine specialists at Premier Brain and Spine is the best way to prevent worsening symptoms. Even when your pain isn’t severe, a visit to any of the ten convenient locations can save you from debilitating consequences. Untreated, lower back pain only gets worse.
The neuroforamen tunnel forms naturally between the lower and upper vertebrae on either side of your spine, along the entire length of your spine. The neuroforamen tunnel has one job — to act as a passageway where the spinal nerve roots exit the spinal canal.
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. It’s also the main nerve in your leg, formed from five nerve roots located at the bottom of your spinal cord. When the neuroforamen tunnel narrows, it pinches the sciatic nerve, turning into a condition called sciatica. Stenosis is another condition linked to a narrowing of your spine. This condition may be caused by:
Typically, before suggesting a lumbar foraminotomy, your surgery center doctor offers alternative treatments. You may get a prescription for pain relieving medication, along with recommendations for physical therapy and massage. Epidural injections are another option if your pain is severe.
To be considered a candidate for the lumbar foraminotomy procedure, your NJ ambulatory surgery center doctor considers the success of the conservative treatments to determine if:
A spine specialist at a top advanced spine surgery center suggests the lumbar foraminotomy surgery when non-surgical treatments fail to bring you lasting relief.
The severity of your condition, the location of the pinched nerve and coexisting spine problems determine the type of lumbar foraminotomy you need. Your New Jersey ortho specialist may ask you to have x-rays or an MRI beforehand. You may receive lumbar foraminotomy surgery as:
The process for surgery typically follows certain steps:
Relief from pain is the first thing you may notice after the surgery. You may be released to go home the same day or need to stay over for a night or two, depending on the type of lumbar foraminotomy you underwent. Movement after the surgery is encouraged, including physical therapy sessions when you’re up to it. Closely follow your doctor’s orders, and within two to four weeks, you may return to your normal activities.
Follow-up appointments with your top spine specialist ensure the results remain positive. While surgical procedures help improve the quality of life for chronic back sufferers, seek help at the first sign of back pain for the best outcome. The minute you feel your back hurting, contact the nearest ortho spine center and book your appointment.