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Vertebra, lumbar (low back)	Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)	Herniated lumbar disk	Lumbar spinal surgery - series

Spinal surgery - lumbar

Definition

Lumbar spinal surgery is used to correct problems with the spinal bones (vertebrae), disks, or nerves of the lower back (lumbar spine).

See also:

• Sciatica
• Slipped disk
• Spinal fusion
• Spinal surgery - cervical

Alternative Names

Lumbar spinal surgery

Description

The spine consists of bones (vertebrae) separated by soft cushions (disks). Pressure on the nerves that branch off the spinal cord can produce pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Lumbar spinal surgery is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). A surgical cut is made over the area of the problem. The bone that curves around and covers the spinal cord and the tissue that presses on the nerve or spinal cord are removed.

The hole through which the nerve passes may be widened to prevent further pressure on the nerve. Sometimes, spinal fusion is necessary to stabilize the area.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery include the following:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Additional risks of spinal surgery include the following:

• Nerve damage leading to paralysis
• Blood clots
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

Review Date: 5/12/2008
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.