Spinal Decompression:
Relieve Nerve Pressure. Restore Function.
Laminectomy, microdiscectomy, and foraminotomy — minimally invasive procedures to free compressed nerves and eliminate radiating pain.
Laminectomy, microdiscectomy, and foraminotomy — minimally invasive procedures to free compressed nerves and eliminate radiating pain.
Spinal decompression surgery relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots by removing bone, disc material, or thickened ligaments that are compressing neural structures. The goal is to create more space for the nerves, eliminating pain, numbness, and weakness caused by compression.
The most common decompression procedure is laminectomy — removal of the lamina (the back part of the vertebra) to widen the spinal canal. Other techniques include laminotomy (partial removal), foraminotomy (widening the nerve exit tunnel), and discectomy (removing herniated disc material).
At Restore Orthopedics & Spine, we perform most decompressions using minimally invasive techniques through small incisions with tubular retractors, preserving muscle and ligament structure for faster recovery and less post-operative pain.
Laminectomy — Removal of the lamina to relieve spinal stenosis. The most common decompression for central canal narrowing.
Laminotomy — Partial lamina removal. Less tissue disruption while still achieving adequate decompression.
Foraminotomy — Widening the foramen (nerve exit hole) to relieve pinched nerve roots causing arm or leg pain.
Microdiscectomy — Minimally invasive removal of herniated disc material compressing a nerve root. Typically outpatient.
Endoscopic Decompression — Ultra-minimally invasive approach using a small camera and instruments through a tiny incision.
Most patients experience significant improvement in leg or arm pain within days to weeks of surgery as nerve compression is immediately relieved.
Microdiscectomy and many laminotomies are performed as outpatient procedures — you go home the same day.
Standalone decompression without fusion preserves spinal motion at the treated level — ideal when instability is not present.
Spinal decompression for stenosis and disc herniation has a success rate exceeding 85-90% for relieving leg and arm symptoms.
Spinal stenosis causing leg pain, numbness, or difficulty walking (neurogenic claudication)
Herniated disc compressing a nerve root with radiating arm or leg pain unresponsive to conservative care
Foraminal stenosis — narrowing of the nerve exit tunnel causing pinched nerve symptoms
Cervical myelopathy — spinal cord compression in the neck causing balance, coordination, or hand function problems
Cauda equina syndrome — emergency compression of the nerve bundle at the base of the spine (requires urgent surgery)
Most patients return to light daily activities within 2-4 weeks and full activity within 6-12 weeks. Minimally invasive approaches typically recover faster than traditional open surgery.
Not always. Standalone decompression is appropriate when the spine is stable. If removing bone or disc would create instability, fusion may be performed at the same time. Your surgeon will discuss this during consultation.
No. Surgical spinal decompression is a medical procedure performed by a spine surgeon to physically remove tissue compressing nerves. Non-surgical "decompression therapy" with traction tables is a different, unrelated treatment.
Yes, spinal decompression surgery is covered by most major insurance plans and Medicare when medically indicated. Our team handles all pre-authorization.
When decompression alone isn't enough — fusion provides stability after extensive decompression.
The most common reason for microdiscectomy and decompression — understand your diagnosis.
Decompression through tiny incisions — less muscle damage, faster recovery, often same-day discharge.
Find out if decompression is right for you. Same-day referral processing.
Restore Orthopedics & Spine welcomes patients from throughout Orange County — including Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Tustin, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Yorba Linda, Brea, Placentia, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Laguna Beach — as well as neighboring Los Angeles County communities including La Habra, Whittier, Downey, Cerritos, Long Beach, Lakewood, Norwalk, La Mirada, and Buena Park.
Same-week consultations available. Most insurances and Medicare accepted.