What is a Laminectomy?

Apr 10, 2026

Laminectomy is a spinal decompression surgery that involves removing the lamina, which is the bony arch forming the roof of the spinal canal. By taking out this section of one or more vertebrae, the procedure creates additional space around the spinal cord and nerves, helping to relieve certain types of back or limb pain caused by pressure.

The spine comprises 33 stacked vertebrae, each with a central canal that protects the spinal cord and nerves running from the tailbone to the skull. When this canal becomes narrow, a condition known as spinal stenosis can develop, compressing the spinal cord and nerves and resulting in various symptoms.

In some cases, pressure on the spinal cord or nerves occurs due to spinal canal bony overgrowths, also called bone spurs. These overgrowths come with age but may affect people with arthritis in the spine. Others can develop such overgrowths due to genetic factors…