Laminectomy

A laminectomy is a spinal surgery performed to relieve pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. It involves removing part of the lamina, a section of bone at the back of the vertebra, to create more space for the nerves.

A laminectomy is most commonly performed to treat conditions such as spinal stenosis, disc-related nerve compression, or degenerative changes in the spine that cause leg pain, numbness, or weakness.

Common symptoms leading to surgery include:

• Persistent back or neck pain
• Leg pain, numbness, or tingling
• Weakness or reduced walking tolerance
• Symptoms that worsen with standing or walking and improve with sitting or bending forward

Physiotherapy plays a vital role after a laminectomy and focuses on:

• Supporting safe early movement and recovery
• Improving spinal mobility and posture
• Rebuilding strength, particularly in the core and lower limb muscles
• Gradually increasing activity levels
• Supporting a confident return to daily activities and work