Discectomy:
Also called open discectomy it is the most common surgical treatment for a ruptured or
herniated disc in the spinal canal causing pressure on the nerve. In this type of method, a
surgeon eliminates one or more of the problematic discs through a small incision over the
center of your back. This relieves the pressure on the nerves.
Spinal Disc Replacement:
This procedure is relatively new and is still not widely used by surgeons. Spinal disc
replacement intends to rebuild disc height and reduce painful movement within two
vertebrae. While performing a spine replacement, your surgeon will remove the degenerated
or injured discs and replace them with artificial ones.
Laminectomy:
This procedure entails the elimination of parts of the bone, bone spurs, or ligaments
overlying the spinal canal. In a laminectomy, a surgeon cuts open the back and eliminates or
disrupts the lamina, a plate along the vertebra that hides the spinal canal, in order to expand
the spinal canal to allow more space for the nerves to pass. This relieves nerve pressure
caused by spinal stenosis.
Foraminotomy:
While performing this operation, your surgeon will conduct a keyhole method to enlarge
your foramina- the bony holes through which nerve roots exit the spine. This expanded space
reduces pressure on your spinal nerves caused by the intervertebral foramen, thereby
relieving pain.