If you are experiencing extreme pain in your back, legs, or arms, it will impact your quality of life because of nerve symptoms such as weakness, tingling feelings, and even loss of bowel and bladder control. Suppose you are not getting desired results from traditional treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and injections. In that case, the latest advanced choice, like laminectomy surgery, is a proven method for your issue. Dr. Shelby Burks, the leading neurosurgeon based in Miami, performs laminectomy and laminotomy procedures that help patients get back on their feet so that they will not live the rest of their lives in pain.
Are you experiencing intense pain in your back, arms, and legs? Have nerve issues been troubling you with symptoms such as weak bladder control or loss of bladder or bowel control? Do you struggle walking more than a short distance? If yes, you may be a candidate for laminectomy. Dr. Shelby Burks has extensive experience offering this service to patients looking for relief from this condition.
Laminectomy is an option when conservative measures, including medication, physical therapy, and injections, have failed to provide significant relief of symptoms.
Decompression surgery, also known as a laminectomy, involves the removal of the lamina, which is the rear part of the spine that creates a covering over the spinal canal. This enlarges the spinal canal and helps alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Introduction to Laminectomy:
The Laminectomy procedure involves the removal of a part of the bone in your spine called the lamina, hence forming more space for both your spinal cord and nerves. It relieves the nerves that may have been under pressure, reducing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. This spine procedure is a usual choice for patients with conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or osteophytes.
Dr. Burks carefully accesses your spinal cavity by removing part of the lamina to relieve pressure and help restrict the extent of the injury to the nerves and therefore decreasing pain.
Common Conditions Treated with Laminectomy:
Dr. Burks will review your medical history and conduct some tests to see if you are a candidate for laminectomy or not. Here, we mention some conditions that are most likely suitable for a laminectomy procedure:
- Spinal arthritis and bone spurs: They can restrict the spinal canal, generating pressure on the spinal nerves.
- Infection or tumors: Tumors can be the major cause of infection in the spine, which presses against the spinal cord or nerve paths.
- Severe pain or weakness: If you have extreme back pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs that cannot be relieved using other methods, then you would may need Laminectomy surgery.
- Failure of treatment: If you can not achieve your desired results by physical therapy, medications, or injections, then spine surgery may the best treatment choice.
Who Needs a Laminectomy?
There are a number of factors that determines if you are a candidate for laminectomy:
- You have spinal arthritis and bone spurs.
- You have spinal infections.
- You have spinal tumors.
- You have been experiencing severe or dramatically worsening symptoms including pain, muscle weakness, tingling, or numbness.
- You experiences loss of bowel, bladder, or sexual function.
- All traditional medical interventions such as medications, physical therapy, and injections have failed to alleviate your symptoms.
Before Surgery
The doctor will discuss the type of procedure that is ideal for your condition. He will also inform you about its associated risks and benefits. Your physician must give you a general health clearance letter for surgery. Without this letter, the procedure will not take place. The doctor may also conduct some tests, such as blood tests, X-rays, or other imaging tests, to assess your medical condition and determine if you are fit for the procedure.
The Procedure
During the procedure, the patient is given general anesthesia and positioned face down. To aid in visualization of the operating field, the surgeon uses X-ray or fluoroscopic guidance. X-rays are also used to confirm the level of the spinal injury. The procedure involves making an incision over the specific spinal level and moving aside the muscles and soft tissues to expose the lamina. A part of the lamina is then removed to open up the spinal canal and provide access to the spinal cord and nerve roots. The spinal cord and/or nerves are decompressed as needed, and the incision is closed to complete the procedure.
The procedure of laminotomy is considered minimally invasive, as it involves the use of small incisions that do not harm the muscles or soft tissues.
What to Expect After Surgery?
You will be transferred to a recovery room after the surgery. Here, the medical staff will assess and closely monitor your vital signs.
It is common to experience the following after the surgery:
- A mild discomfort
- Pain at the incision site
- Neck or back muscle spasms
Your doctor may recommend a cervical or lumbar brace. This helps add stability and support during the healing process.
Why Should I Travel to Miami for a Laminectomy?
With extensive experience and expertise in neuro and orthopedic spine surgery, Dr. Shelby Burks possesses a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between the brain, spine, and body. He values each patient as a unique individual, considering not only their physical state but also their emotional and psychological well-being in his care. Dr. Burks’ surgical approach takes into account each patient’s concerns about surgery and the recovery phase, resulting in better overall outcomes.
If you require a laminectomy, it is important to have experienced surgeons who can offer comprehensive spine care. Dr. Shelby Burks is dedicated to helping patients alleviate the pain associated with their condition. If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling a consultation, please call 305-243-6946 today.
Procedure of Laminectomy Surgery, Miami:
- Before your surgery, Dr Burks will review your current health condition and check X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans so he can determine the exact anatomical area of the spinal malfunction. A complete physical checkup will confirm the best choice of surgery procedure as per your condition.
- After the consultation and you are scheduled for surgery, Dr. Burks will you have a pain-free and comfortable surgery.
- On the day of the procedure, you will be administered general anesthesia to stay pain-free and comfortable throughout the surgery.
- Dr. Burks will make a tiny incision and carefully retract muscles and other soft tissues away from the spine. Dr Burks uses image guided fluoroscopic guidance X-ray and removes all of the lamina to create more room within the spinal canal. In this technique, Dr. Burks and his team endures to avoid any damage to tissues or nearby structures so the patients recover much faster with less pain.
Expected Outcomes of a Laminectomy procedure:
Patients can expect multiple benefits from this procedure in many ways such as:
- Pain relief : Most patients can feel significantly decreased pain after surgery.
- Excellent Movement: Many patients feel easier movement and walk without pain and additional pressure on their spine and nerves.
- Further Quality of Life Improvements: Patients usually return to their normal activities after surgery and have a better quality of life without the constant discomfort that they had before the surgery.
- Lowered risk of complications: Laminectomy is usually a safe procedure when performed by a skilled surgeon like Dr. Burks. He makes extra efforts to control the risks and ensure the best possible results.
Dr. Shelby Burks – Top Choice for the Laminectomy Procedure in Miami
Dr. Burks is a respected surgeon in Miami and provides complete expert care. He performs spine surgery with his impressive training and puts all his energy into delivering the best results for his patients. Here are some details you should consider about Dr. Burks:
Personalized Treatment: Dr. Burks will evaluate your condition and observe your symptoms before deciding on the right procedure.
Advanced Techniques: Dr. Burks can perform traditional and modern Minimally Invasive Techniques. This means that, unlike the traditional method, the incisions are smaller with minimally invasive surgery; hence, there is less pain and quicker recovery.
- Aftercare Support: Dr. Burks and his staff are committed to seeing you through the healing process. He will provide hands-on help during your recovery.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Dr. Burks utilizes the latest medical technology, ensuring the greatest precision in surgery: advanced imaging tools assist in diagnosis and treatment.
- Proven Results: After their laminectomy surgery, many patients report feeling better. Dr. Burks has had many successful outcomes and ushered many people back into a pain-free life.
Visit Us Today!
If you are suffering from severe pain, then pick up your phone and book your consultation with Dr Burks today:
Phone No.: 305-243-6946
Address: 120 NW 14th Street, Miami, Florida 33136
Timings: Mon to Sat: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Laminectomy, Miami
Question. What should we expect during the Laminectomy procedure?
Answer: Laminectomy is performed under general anesthesia and you will be asleep during the surgery. Dr. Burks will make a small incision around the affected spine area. Some of the lamina will be carefully extracted to relieve nerve pressure. This length of the procedure depends on the complexity involved in the situation.
Question. What are the possible risks involved in the Laminectomy surgery?
Answer. As with any surgery, there is always some possible risk such as infection, bleeding, or damage to nerves. Dr. Burks will check all chances of risk with you before the surgery to ensure you are fully briefed.
Question. When can I go back to normal activities after my Laminectomy surgery?
Answer. It completely depends on the nature of your work and how you handle the recovery. If it concerns heavy lifting or laborious work, you may need to take longer so you allow the spine to properly heal. If it is more of a desk job, you should return to work sooner. Dr.Burks will review your condition and advise you when it would be safe to return to normal activities.
Question. How will Dr. Burks decide if a patient needs laminectomy surgery?
Answer: Dr Burks will decide which procedure is suitable for you after evaluating your condition, he will look at your symptoms, check your medical records, and imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Only if conventional treatments have failed, then a laminectomy procedure could be advisable.
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