Getting a Laminectomy: Before, During, and After

Written by Matthew Hoffman, MD, Stephanie Booth
Medically Reviewed by Shruthi N, MD on January 03, 2025
8 min read

Laminectomy is a type of spinal decompression surgery where a surgeon removes the bony arch from one or more of your spinal bones (vertebrae). This widens the space around your spine and can help relieve some types of back and limb pain.

Here's what to expect before, during, and after your laminectomy.

You have 33 vertebrae stacked on top of each other in a long column. There's a hole in the back of each vertebra, called the spinal canal. It houses your spinal cord and nerves, which run all the way from your tailbone to your skull. But sometimes, your spinal canal can start to narrow, a condition known as spinal stenosis. This can start to squeeze your spinal cord and the surrounding nerves, causing symptoms such as:

  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Back pain
  • Weakness in your limbs
  • Numb legs
  • Issues with bowel or bladder control (finding it hard to control your pee or poop)

A laminectomy restores room in your spinal canal by removing some of the spinal lamina, which is the bony arch at the back of your vertebrae.

Your doctor may suggest this surgery if you have any of these conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Bone fracture
  • Bone spur, extra bony growths on your spine that can press on your nerves
  • Herniated disk, in which the jelly-like cushioning between your vertebrae begins to leak
  • Degenerative disk disease, in which the natural cushioning around your spine has worn away
  • Spinal tumor, which can sometimes grow near your vertebrae
  • Infection that affects your spine

Your doctor will likely want you to try other treatments first, such as physical therapy and prescription medications. If they don't help, then they could suggest a laminectomy.

Reasons to get a lumbar laminectomy

The most common kind of laminectomy focuses on relieving nerve pain in your lower back (lumbar spine.) Your lumbar spine connects your pelvic bone to your torso. 

Your doctor may talk to you about this procedure if you have a lot of lower back pain and other types of treatments haven't helped relieve your symptoms.

Lumbar pain is often caused by spinal stenosis. Your spinal canal narrows naturally as you get older. It can happen slowly over time, so you may not notice until you have ongoing pain and find it uncomfortable to move around.

Before you have this procedure, your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for it. You'll likely be asked to:

  • Have updated imaging tests. X-rays, MRIs, and other tests can offer your surgeon a detailed look at your spine.
  • Stop taking some medications. Some types of pills, including over-the-counter products and supplements, could interfere with the surgery and your healing process.
  • Cut back on tobacco. It can cause complications during and after your laminectomy. If you need help, ask your doctor for some tips on quitting.
  • Plan on taking it easy for a while. For instance, before the day of your surgery, you'll probably want to stock up on groceries. Take care of all the errands and chores that you can.
  • Let friends and family know you'll be having surgery. You'll be able to use extra help during your recovery.
  • Follow your doctor's advice. If you don't understand your pre-op instructions, call their office.
  • Don't eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your laminectomy.

On the day of your laminectomy:

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing. 
  • Leave all your jewelry, especially necklaces or bracelets, at home.
  • Bring your insurance card and your wallet for any copayments or required paperwork.
  • If your doctor thinks you might be able to go home the same day, bring someone to drive you home and take care of you.

Once you're at the hospital or surgical center:

  • You'll be taken to a private area to change into a loose-fitting medical gown.
  • You'll wait in a "pre-op" area on a stretcher or bed. Your surgeon, anesthesiologist, or the anesthesiologist's assistant will visit you and examine you.
  • When everyone is ready, you'll be taken into the operating room.

Laminectomies are done with general anesthesia. That means you'll be unconscious (asleep) for the procedure. You won't feel pain or be aware of what's going on.

 Here's how that will happen:

  • The anesthesiologist or an assistant will place a mask over your face, delivering a mix of oxygen and anesthetic gas. You may also be given medicines through your veins to help you relax. Within a few breaths, you'll be unconscious.
  • Your breathing and heart rate will be closely watched throughout the procedure to make sure they stay within healthy levels.

Next, the surgeon will perform the laminectomy:

  • You'll be rolled over into a face-down position to allow access to your back.
  • The surgeon will make an incision (cut) in the skin of your back over the painful area. They will move the muscles and soft tissues to the side, exposing your spine.
  • The surgeon will then cut away any bone, bone spurs, or ligaments pressing on your nerves. This is referred to as decompression. They may also remove a small or a large portion of several spinal bones, depending on why you are having a laminectomy.
  • You could also have another spinal procedure at this time if you need it. For instance, you could have spinal fusion to stabilize your spine. This is when some of your vertebrae are permanently fused together to help steady the bones in your back. Or you could have a herniated disk removed, which is called a diskectomy. Your doctor may also physically open up your vertebrae to provide more room for your nerves, which is a procedure called a foraminotomy.

Generally, a laminectomy can take about one to three hours but may take longer if your condition is complex.

At the end of the surgery, your incision will be stitched or stapled closed. You'll be gently turned back over and the anesthesia will be turned off.

Right after the procedure:

You'll be closely watched for any complications. You'll be taken to a "post-op" area so your vital signs can keep being monitored by your care team. 

You'll feel "out of it." Once you wake up, you may still feel groggy for several hours. 

You may be uncomfortable. It's very common to feel some pain in your back. You'll be given pain medicine to help manage it.

You'll probably need to stay in the hospital. Although some people go home the same day, most stay in the hospital for at least one night. It probably depends on whether you had "open surgery" with large incisions or a "minimally invasive" laminectomy, in which special tools are inserted through tiny cuts in your skin. Your doctor will explain which type they'll do before your surgery happens.

You'll be up and moving soon. Based on the extent of your surgery, you'll probably need some help getting out of bed and walking at first. But moving around will be important to keep your blood circulating and prevent blood clots from forming. Your doctor will probably suggest physical therapy. A trained therapist can guide you through exercises to help you regain your strength and range of motion.

Here's what you may experience once you're home and recovering from spinal decompression surgery:

  • You won't be able to drive for a while. Most people can resume driving in one to two weeks, but your surgeon will advise you based on your recovery and any pain medications you're prescribed.
  • Take it easy. You'll need to limit activities that include bending, stooping, or lifting for several weeks after your laminectomy.
  • Keep the incision site clean and dry. Since a bandage on your back may be hard to reach, ask someone to help you. Let your surgeon know if you don't know who to ask.
  • Ask for instructions on showering and bathing.
  • Your surgeon may be ready to remove your stitches or staples after about two weeks. Don't try to remove them yourself.
  • Try to avoid long plane flights or car rides, as they can lead to blood clots in your legs. If you have to travel, stand and walk around once an hour or so. Let your doctor know so they can give you more guidance.

Everyone is different. How quickly you recover will depend on the extent of your surgery and your personal situation. Here's what to expect:

  • You can start light walking and physical therapy exercises once your doctor says you're ready. This will help speed your recovery.
  • After a minor (decompressive) laminectomy, you're usually able to return to light activity (desk work and easy chores around the house) within a few days to a few weeks.
  • If you also had spinal fusion with your laminectomy, your recovery time will likely be longer — from two to four months.
  • Your doctor may not advise a return to full activities that involve lifting and bending for two to three months.
  • Be patient. Although many people resume regular activities in four to six weeks, full recovery may take much longer. Go easy on yourself, and call your surgeon with any concerns or questions.

About 75% of people who have a laminectomy are helped by it. You're most likely to notice:

  • Relief from nerve pain
  • Daily activities feel easier and more comfortable

Before you agree to a laminectomy, it's good to understand the risks involved, such as:

  • Bleeding 
  • Blood clots
  • Infection at the surgical site. Sometimes, deeper tissue can also be exposed to bacteria and get infected.
  • Nerve damage. If a nerve gets injured during the surgery, you could have weakness or numbness in a certain area. 
  • Spinal fluid leak. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cushions your spinal cord and helps protect it from getting hurt. If it begins to leak out because of the surgery, it can cause other complications.
  • Weakened spine. This can happen if too much bone or tissue is accidentally taken out during the procedure.

Your surgeon will go over these risks and possible complications before your laminectomy. Make sure to ask what can be done to prevent them from happening.

Sometimes, spinal surgery doesn't deliver the long-term results you're hoping for. In some cases, it can worsen your pain or cause new and different symptoms. This condition is called post-laminectomy syndrome or failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Doctors are still trying to understand why it happens.

Post-laminectomy syndrome can cause:

  • Back spasms
  • Lower back or neck pain
  • Numbness in your lower back and legs
  • Arthritis in your spine
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Nerve pain
  • Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

If you start having any of these symptoms, it's important to get examined by a doctor who's familiar with post-laminectomy syndrome. Your treatment options could include:

  • Special exercises, especially ones that strengthen your core
  • Strength training
  • Stretching, to increase your flexibility
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Antiseizure medication
  • Steroid injections
  • Spinal cord implant
  • Additional spinal surgery

A laminectomy is a very common type of back surgery. It removes extra bony pieces from your vertebrae to widen your spinal canal. Many people get relief from back pain after this spinal decompression surgery. For the best outcome, carefully follow your doctor's instructions as you prepare for the procedure and while you recover from it. If your pain doesn't go away or you develop other symptoms after your laminectomy, see a doctor who's familiar with post-laminectomy syndrome.

What are the limitations of laminectomy as a procedure? 

This surgery isn't a treatment for arthritis or general back pain.

Who shouldn't undergo a laminectomy?

It's not advised if:

  • Your symptoms are mild and can be managed with other treatments.
  • You have spine instability.
  • You have an ongoing health condition that raises your risk for complications.
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