Laminoforaminotomy is a spine surgery performed to address a pinched nerve in the neck and resulting cervical radiculopathy; a type of neck pain that spreads (radiates) into the upper back, shoulder(s), and down the arm(s). Patients can experience electrical or radiating pain, numbness, and/or tingling down the arms, sometimes down to one or both hands. Patients may also suffer from weakness in the arms or hands. “Lamino” refers to the spine’s lamina; a thin plate of bone at the back of the neck that helps to protect the spinal canal. The goal of a laminoforaminotomy is to relieve nerve root compression (e.g., unpinch the exiting nerve root) and symptoms related to it. Laminoforaminotomy is generally performed as a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure, done through a “Band-Aid” incision. A Band-Aid incision, as the size of the incision is so small that once sutured, the wound can be covered with a small adhesive strip. To learn more about Dr. Stieber's NYC laminoforaminotomy, please reach out to us today.“Foraminotomy” refers to the foramen; the spinal nerve root passageways. These passageways are naturally created at either side of the disc between two vertebral bodies. Sometimes these passageways are called neuroforamen (“neuro” means nerve). “Otomy” means ‘to cut’. During a foraminotomy, Dr. Stieber creates a small window in the lamina and removes the disc and/or bone spurs pressing on the nerve root. This increases the size of the neuroforamen and decompresses the nerve.
Cervical foraminal stenosis occurs when a disc herniation, osteoarthritis (spondylosis), spinal degenerative problems, and/or bone spurs (osteophytes) encroach into the neural foramen where the nerve exits and can cause neck radiculopathy. Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy may include pain in the shoulders, upper back, neck, hands, and arms. Other symptoms may include weakness, numbness, tingling and/or sensations of “pins and needles”.
Not every patient with a neck problem will require spine surgery. Dr. Stieber may recommend laminoforaminotomy for the following reasons: if non-operative treatment fails to relieve symptoms, progressive worsening of neurologic symptoms or pain, and/or serious neurological problems. Loss of function, numbness, and weakness are examples of neurologic dysfunction.
A “pinched nerve” in the neck will often require surgical intervention to resolve, particularly when radiating pain is caused by the compressed nerve structures. Advances in medical science allow this painful condition to be resolved with minimally-invasive treatment called laminoforaminotomy to remove the tissue compressing the nerve structures.
Unfortunately, if a pinched nerve is left untreated, the condition can advance, leading to permanent nerve damage with the potential for numbness, weakness, and/or pain. It is often necessary for treatment to be performed early for a fast and full recovery.
An MRI identifies changes in the spine that have been caused by disease, aging, or trauma. This test can reveal a range of spinal conditions, including the presence of a pinched nerve.
Radiculopathy, or a “pinched nerve”, is a symptom related to compression on a nerve root. While chiropractic treatment may relieve the symptoms in some minor cases, if the compression is the result of a narrowing of the spinal canal, disc herniation, or bone spurs, one will often require surgical treatment.
If left untreated, a pinched nerve can lead to very serious symptoms. The narrowing of the spinal canal that protects the nerves may first lead to numbness, tingling, pain, discomfort, or other symptoms. If left untreated, nerve compression can lead to permanent neurologic injury and weakness. It is imperative in these cases that treatment be performed in the early stages to protect your overall health.
Once surgery has been completed, the patient is moved into the recovery area. In recovery, nurses and other members of the medical team closely monitor the patient’s vital signs – pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pain. Some post-operative pain is to be expected and patients receive pain medication either through their IV (intravenous line) or orally.
Dr. Stieber provides his New York laminoforaminotomy patients with information about what to expect and self-care after hospital discharge. This information includes instructions on how to control pain, any prescribed medications, use of a brace and care (if applicable), diet and managing constipation, bathing, incision care, activity restrictions, and any surgical follow-up appointments. As always, Dr. Stieber and his staff welcome questions and ensure that all patient concerns are thoroughly addressed.
