These conditions can narrow the spaces in the spine and press on nearby nerves.

Causes/Why It Happens

Common causes include:

• Ageing-related wear and tear
• Slipped or bulging disc
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Bone spurs
• Arthritis of the spine
• Previous back injury or heavy strain

These conditions can narrow the spaces in the spine and press on nearby nerves.

Diagnosis and Investigations

Doctors may recommend:

• Physical examination
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan – shows nerves and discs clearly
• X-ray – checks spine alignment and arthritis
• Computed tomography (CT) scan – detailed bone imaging

Treatment Options

Non-surgical treatment

Most patients try these first:

• Pain medicines
• Physiotherapy
• Weight management
• Heat or cold therapy
• Steroid injections
• Activity modification

Surgical treatment

If symptoms continue or worsen, lumbar decompression surgery may be advised.

Common procedures include:

• Laminectomy – removing part of the bone pressing on nerves
• Discectomy – removing part of a slipped disc
• Foraminotomy – widening the nerve passage

Procedure Details and Hospital Stay

What is the procedure and why is it done?

Lumbar decompression surgery removes the pressure on spinal nerves. It is usually done when non-surgical treatments do not help and symptoms affect daily life.

The surgery aims to:

• Reduce leg pain
• Improve walking ability
• Reduce numbness or weakness
• Improve quality of life

Before the Procedure

Preparation guidelines

Your doctor may advise you to:

• Stop eating or drinking for 6–8 hours before surgery
• Inform the team about all your medications
• Stop certain blood-thinning medicines if advised
• Quit smoking to improve healing
• Arrange help at home after discharge

Procedure Overview

Step-by-step overview (simple explanation)

• The patient is given general anaesthesia.
• A small cut is made in the lower back.
• The surgeon gently moves muscles aside.
• Bone or disc material pressing on the nerves is removed.
• The wound is closed with stitches or staples.

Type of anaesthesia: usually general anaesthesia

Risks and Possible Complications

Most surgeries are safe, but possible complications include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Nerve injury
• Leakage of spinal fluid
• Continued or returning pain

Benefits and Expected Outcomes

Many patients notice:

• Reduced leg pain
• Better walking ability
• Improved sleep and mobility
• Better daily function

Recovery varies from person to person. Some symptoms improve quickly, while numbness or weakness may take longer.

During Hospital Stay

What to expect

• Monitoring in the recovery room after surgery
• Pain control medicines
• Assistance with walking within a day
• Physiotherapy guidance

Hospital stay

• Usually 1–3 days
• Some minimally invasive surgeries may allow same-day discharge

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery timeline

• Light walking: within a few days
• Return to office: 2–6 weeks
• Full recovery: several weeks to months

Activity restrictions

Avoid:

• Heavy lifting
• Bending repeatedly
• Twisting the back suddenly
• Long sitting periods initially

Walking is encouraged during recovery.

Lifestyle and Prevention

Long-term care

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Continue back-strengthening exercises
• Practice good posture
• Stay physically active
• Avoid smoking
• Use safe lifting techniques

When to contact a doctor

Contact your doctor if you develop:

• Severe pain not improving
• Increasing weakness
• New numbness in legs

Follow-up schedule

• First visit: usually within 1–2 weeks
• Additional visits based on recovery

Myths and Facts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)