Decompression
The spine canal becomes narrowed, and as a result the nerve roots inside become more and more crowded. This causes a feeling of aching fatigue and heaviness in the legs.
Spinal Decompression (Laminectomy)
In the lower back the spinal canal, which is a channel that runs
down inside the spine, contains the nerve roots which pass down
into the legs.
These nerve roots, called the corda equine, normally have plenty of room. As an approximation the spinal canal is about the same in cross section as your little finger. Sometimes the spinal canal can become critically narrowed in one or more areas, a condition called spinal stenosis. This is usually due to age related wear and tear changes affecting the spine, although these changes won't necessarily have caused much in the way of back pain previously. A worn disc may bulge backwards into the spinal canal, while the facet joints may enlarge and encroach on the canal from the back and the sides. As the discs narrow and lose height, ligaments within the canal, which are normally quite stretched out, buckle inwards and appear to thicken. As a result the nerve roots become more and more crowded and 'strangled' by the hour-glass narrowing of the canal. Symptoms become apparent.
The pattern of symptoms can vary considerably, but typically patients with spinal stenosis start to experience a sense of aching tiredness and heaviness in their legs when walking or standing upright. This is often accompanied by aching across the back which typically spreads into the buttocks. The problems in the back and the legs build up gradually with walking or standing and after a while may become bad enough that the individual feels unable to carry on and has to sit down. Sitting down, or even bending or leaning forwards, often brings relief within a few minutes, allowing the person to continue walking although the symptoms will return again after a similar period. The walking distance may be a guide to the severity of the narrowing and can become limited to 100m or less.
Rationale for Decompression
Decompression aims to open up the space for the nerve roots within
the spinal canal.
This may entail the removal of some bone from the back part of the vertebra called the lamina, hence the term laminectomy, which may be used for this operation.
If you have an enquiry about Spinal Decompression please use our enquiry form, or call us on 023 8025 8454.
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