Spine surgery can sound intimidating, and it very well may be at first. However, one thing you can do to turn those feelings of intimidation into ones of confidence is to educate yourself on the varying types of spine procedures. Not all spine surgeries are the same, and, in fact, there are many different types of common spine surgeries performed on individuals everywhere in today’s world. Each specific type of surgery is designed to treat a different condition, and below we will explore some of the more common types of spine surgery in greater detail.

Discectomies

A discectomy refers to the surgical technique of removing an intervertebral disc from the spine. Discectomies can be either partial or remove an entire disc in the spine. Typically, the spinal abnormalities leading to discectomies being performed are bulging discs and herniated discs. A bulging disc occurs when a portion of an intervertebral disc in the spine has protruded beyond its regular parameters and has entered into the spinal canal. A disc may bulge into a spinal nerve root or the spinal cord itself, causing pain and other symptoms to be felt either locally or into the extremities. A herniated disc is similar to a bulging disc, but is noted by the outer wall of the disc (annulus fibrosus) rupturing and allowing inner gel-like fluid from the inside (nucleus pulposus) to enter the spinal canal, potentially bringing on a similar set of symptoms.

Foramenotomies

A foramenotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the space of the foramen, or an opening through which a spinal nerve root enters and exits the spinal canal. Foramenotomies may be required to treat conditions in which the spinal cord or a spinal nerve root is compressed by something other than an intervertebral disc. More commonly, an excess growth of bone, or bone spur, may form upon a vertebra and push into the spinal cord or a nerve root and cause symptoms to be felt. The foramenotomy procedure seeks to remove whatever happens to be compressing the spinal cord or nerve root.

Laminectomies

A laminectomy is a procedure that removes a portion of the spine’s lamina, or the arched section of vertebra (bone) that covers the spinal cord. More specifically, these procedures are performed to eliminate compression of the spinal cord itself by the lamina. Most commonly, a laminectomy is performed in the instance of spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis is condition in which one vertebra has protruded, either anteriorly or posteriorly, from the vertebra directly below it. Spondylolisthesis occurs in different grades of slippage, with higher grades of slippage often requiring a larger section of bone to be removed. Laminectomies may be performed as part of a spinal fusion (discussed below) to prevent future instances of vertebral slippage at the site.

Spinal Fusions

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that involves fusing one vertebra (spine bone) with another. This type of surgery was brought into the public spotlight in 2011 after it was performed on quarterback Peyton Manning to relieve pain from an ailing spinal abnormality located in his neck. Spinal fusions used to be – and still largely are – considered to “be-all, end-all” surgeries used as a last resort when other surgeries could not provide the desired relief from pain and other symptoms. In this procedure, two vertebrae are fused together to eliminate movement between them. A spinal fusion may accompany the aforementioned discectomy as a form of combined procedure. Spinal fusions, though they can permanently limit mobility at a particular region in the neck or back, can be extremely beneficial, and help to minimize pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms once and for all. However, it cannot be stressed enough that other types of procedures should be considered before spinal fusions.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to spinal treatments.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to spinal treatments. http://www.lsiphilly.com/

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to spinal treatments.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Spinal Treatments, Spine Surgery, Back Surgery