Health Facts

Back pain is often caused by obesity

Most people know that obesity contributes to the development of various diseases. However, did you know that obesity is a contributing factor to back pain? It is true. Being overweight or obese can significantly contribute to  osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.

LaminectomyIntroduction to Laminectomy

The lamina is the bony roof of the spinal canal. Laminectomy is the term used to refer to the process of removing the lamina (usually both sides). Removing the lamina increases the size of the spinal canal, giving more room for the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Laminectomy Procedure

A laminectomy can be performed on all regions (lumbar, thoracic, cervical) of the spinal column to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots.

This procedure is also called a spinal decompression. Pressure on the nerve roots or the spinal cord can be caused by bony spurs or by a herniated or bulging disc. This pressure is often referred to as spinal stenosis and can cause pain and weakness. The pressure is relieved by removing the lamina as well as any other source of compression such as bone spurs, a herniated disc, or disc bulges. Decompression of the nerve roots and the spinal cord relieves pain and other symptoms.

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The Spine Institute is often in the news pioneering new treatments to help the reported 34 million Americans 18 years and older who suffer lower back pain, and another 9 million who suffer neck pain. Watch the news coverage here.