What are common surgical options for severe spinal disorders?

Severe spinal disorders often require surgical intervention when conservative treatments fail to alleviate symptoms or when there is a risk of progressive neurological impairment. Surgical options like discectomy, laminectomy, and spinal fusion are designed to address structural problems within the spine that contribute to pain, nerve compression, or instability.

Discectomy involves the removal of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve, which can relieve pain and restore function. Laminectomy entails the removal of a portion of the lamina (the back part of the vertebra) to create more space for the spinal cord or nerve roots, helping to alleviate pressure and improve symptoms. Spinal fusion, on the other hand, is a procedure to stabilize the spine by joining two or more vertebrae together, which can be necessary in cases of instability caused by conditions like spondylolisthesis or degenerative disc disease.

These surgical techniques are common and effective approaches in the management of severe spinal disorders, particularly in cases where non-surgical methods have not provided sufficient relief.