Spinal decompression involves:

• Removing bony overgrowths (osteophytes) and fibrous tissue that are narrowing the spinal canal and compressing spinal nerve roots.
• Removing parts of the vertebrae (laminectomy) to enlarge the spinal canal, thus relieving pressure on the spinal nerves.
• Removing disc material (discectomy) that protrudes into the spinal canal.
• In some cases, the spine is fused (arthrodesis) to stabilize it at the sites where bone and disc material have been removed.

Recovery involves using medications to control pain. Most people need narcotics (pain medications) to control pain right after the surgery.

The person will spend time in the hospital after the surgery.

Rehabilitation may be a lengthy process and includes walking, riding a stationary bike, swimming, and similar activities.

For most people, there are few or no restrictions on physical activity after recovery. However, people who have jobs that require heavy labor may not be able to return to their jobs.

This surgery may be done for people who have symptoms of severe spinal stenosis that are progressing rapidly or have persisted at least 1 year. This surgery is not commonly considered during the first 3 months of back or leg pain symptoms.

Studies have shown that surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis is effective. Procedures that involve joint fusion (arthrodesis) are associated with higher complication rates, longer hospital stays, and higher costs.

Risks for this surgery are associated with the use of general anesthesia, the spinal problem itself, or other medical problems. Specific risks include:

• Deep wound infection.
• Blood clots in deep veins.
• Superficial infection.
• Tears in the membrane (dura mater) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

People who have spinal fusion (arthrodesis) are at higher risk for complications during and after surgery.

Older adults whose pain does not severely limit their day-to-day activities usually do not need surgery unless they develop signs of bowel or bladder problems due to spinal cord compression.