Back surgery is normally done to relieve pressure on one or more of the nerves running between the vertebrae.

 

The spine (backbone) is made up of vertebrae (bones) which are linked together.

There are various types of Spinal surgery and the type of procedure you have depends on the cause of the pain:

• A Laminectomy involves removing or trimming most of the bony arch, or lamina, of a vertebra in order to decompress the nerves that supply the legs and to widen the entire spinal canal through which the spinal nerves pass.

• A Discectomy involves removing the damaged or bulging part of a slipped disc to relieve pressure on the nerve.

• A Foraminotomy involves parts of the lamina and facet joints are removed to widen the gap in the side of the spine through which spinal nerves pass.

• Stabilisation Surgery involves the lamina being cut away and the spine is fused back together. Screws are fixed into the spine.

• Spinal Fusion Surgery involves an opening being made in the back, the curve of the spine is straightened using metal rods and hooks and the spine is fused into place using bone grafts.