A Laminectomy, one of the most common back surgeries, is done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. During this procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of one or more vertebrae, bone spurs, disk fragments and other soft tissue.

Laminectomy is generally used:

• When more-conservative treatments — such as medication and physical therapy — have failed to relieve symptoms
• If symptoms are severe or worsening dramatically
• If you experience muscle weakness or numbness that makes standing or walking difficult
• If you experience loss of bowel or bladder control
• Most commonly performed to treat Spinal Stenosis, spine-related injuries, herniated discs, or tumors
• To reduce pressure on nerve roots which relieves pain and allows you to resume normal daily activities

Most reports favor a laminectomy as an effective treatment with good results, though symptoms may return over time.