What is a laminectomy?

A laminectomy is a back surgery that involves removing the lamina, or the back part of the vertebra that conceals the spinal canal, states Mayo Clinic. Also referred to as decompression surgery, a laminectomy creates space and enlarges the spinal canal to ease pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.

This pressure is usually brought about by bony overgrowths that narrow the space in the spinal canal causing pain in the arms or legs, explains Mayo Clinic. A laminectomy is done as a last resort after conventional treatments such as injections, medication or physical therapy fail to work, or in cases of acute or deteriorating symptoms.