A lumbar decompression creates more room for nerves that have become crowded in the lower back, often because of spinal stenosis.
What is the aim?
It is intended mainly to improve leg pain, heaviness or difficulty walking caused by nerve compression. Improvement in lower back pain is less predictable.
What happens?
The operation is usually performed under general anaesthetic. Professor Bateman confirms the correct level with imaging, moves the back muscles aside and removes the bone or ligament causing pressure. The amount of surgery depends on how many levels are affected.
What are the alternatives?
Some people manage their symptoms with activity changes, exercise, physiotherapy and medication. The decision to operate depends on how severe your symptoms are, what the scan shows and what matters to you.
What are the risks?
Symptoms may persist. Risks include infection, bleeding, a blood clot, nerve injury, a tear in the covering around the nerves and leakage of spinal fluid. Narrowing can develop again later or at another level.
Recovery
Walking usually starts as soon as the team advises it is safe. Your hospital stay and return to usual activities depend on the size of the operation and your health.
Detailed patient leaflet
Read Professor Bateman’s information leaflet before your procedure and bring any questions to your consultation.
Open the PDF leaflet →