Dr. Alok Gadkari

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Lumbar Decompression

Lumbar Decompression Surgery

Advanced Spine Care by Dr. Alok Gadkari

Lower back pain that radiates into the legs, numbness, tingling, or difficulty walking can significantly affect your quality of life. When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, Lumbar Decompression Surgery offers an effective solution by relieving pressure on spinal nerves.
Dr. Alok Gadkari, an experienced spine specialist, provides advanced lumbar decompression procedures designed to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve overall spinal function using safe and evidence-based surgical techniques.
Lumbar Decompression

What Is Lumbar Decompression Surgery?

Lumbar decompression surgery is a specialized spinal procedure performed to relieve pressure on the nerves in the lower back (lumbar spine). This pressure often occurs due to:

  • Herniated or slipped discs

  • Spinal stenosis

  • Bone spurs

  • Thickened ligaments

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Spondylolisthesis

When spinal nerves are compressed, patients may experience:

  • Persistent lower back pain

  • Sciatica (pain radiating to legs)

  • Leg weakness

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Difficulty standing or walking

  • Loss of balance

Lumbar decompression removes the source of compression, allowing the nerves to function normally again.

When Is Lumbar Decompression Needed?

Most patients with lower back pain improve with:

  • Physiotherapy

  • Medications

  • Epidural injections

  • Lifestyle modifications

  • Rest and rehabilitation

However, surgery may be recommended when:

✔ Pain persists for more than 6–12 weeks
✔ Severe leg pain affects daily life
✔ Weakness or numbness worsens
✔ Walking distance reduces significantly
✔ There is loss of bladder or bowel control (emergency)

Dr. Alok Gadkari carefully evaluates each patient with clinical examination and advanced imaging (MRI/CT scan) before recommending surgery.

Conditions Treated with Lumbar Decompression

1. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

A narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves. Common in elderly patients, it causes:

  • Leg pain while walking

  • Relief on sitting or bending forward

  • Numbness or heaviness in legs

2. Herniated Disc

When the soft inner portion of a disc pushes out and presses on nearby nerves. Symptoms include:

  • Sharp leg pain (sciatica)

  • Burning sensation

  • Weakness in legs

3. Foraminal Stenosis

Narrowing of the nerve exit canals causing localized nerve compression.

4. Degenerative Disc Disease

Age-related disc wear leading to instability and nerve irritation.

5. Spondylolisthesis

When one vertebra slips over another, compressing nerves and causing back and leg pain.

Types of Lumbar Decompression Procedures

Dr. Alok Gadkari performs different types of decompression depending on the condition:

Laminectomy

Removal of part of the lamina (back portion of vertebra) to widen the spinal canal and relieve nerve pressure.

Laminotomy

Partial removal of lamina for targeted decompression.

Discectomy / Microdiscectomy

Removal of herniated disc fragments pressing on nerves.

Foraminotomy

Widening of the nerve exit passage to reduce compression.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression

Advanced techniques using smaller incisions, minimal muscle damage, faster recovery, and less pain.

Benefits of Lumbar Decompression Surgery

Patients undergoing lumbar decompression with Dr. Alok Gadkari experience:

  • Significant reduction in leg pain

  • Improved walking capacity

  • Better spinal mobility

  • Relief from numbness and tingling

  • Faster return to daily activities

  • Improved quality of life

In properly selected patients, success rates are high, especially for leg pain relief.

The Lumbar Decompression Procedure – Step by Step

1. Pre-Surgical Evaluation

  • Detailed medical history

  • Physical examination

  • MRI / CT scan review

  • Discussion of risks and benefits

2. Anesthesia

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

3. Surgical Approach

  • A small incision is made in the lower back.

  • Muscles are gently moved aside.

  • The compressed nerve is identified.

  • Bone, ligament, or disc material causing compression is removed.

4. Closure

The incision is closed carefully to promote healing.

Procedure time varies from 1–3 hours depending on complexity.

Recovery After Lumbar Decompression

Recovery depends on the type of procedure and patient condition.

Immediately After Surgery

  • Patients may walk within 24 hours.

  • Hospital stay is usually 1–3 days.

First 2 Weeks

  • Mild discomfort at incision site

  • Gradual increase in activity

  • Avoid heavy lifting

4–6 Weeks

  • Return to light work

  • Begin physiotherapy

  • Improved mobility

3 Months

  • Most patients resume normal activities

  • Significant reduction in nerve pain

Dr. Alok Gadkari provides a structured post-surgical rehabilitation plan for optimal recovery.

Lumbar Decompression vs. Spinal Fusion

In some cases, decompression alone is sufficient. However, if there is spinal instability, fusion may be recommended along with decompression.

Decompression Alone:

  • Removes pressure on nerves

  • Preserves motion

  • Faster recovery

Decompression with Fusion:

  • Stabilizes spine

  • Used in spondylolisthesis or instability

Dr. Alok Gadkari carefully determines whether fusion is necessary.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a suitable candidate if:

  • You have severe leg pain due to nerve compression

  • Conservative treatment has failed

  • Imaging confirms compression

  • You are medically fit for surgery

Age is not a limitation if overall health is stable.

Long-Term Outcomes

Studies show lumbar decompression provides:

  • 70–90% improvement in leg pain

  • Improved walking ability

  • Reduced dependence on pain medications

  • Better quality of life

Early intervention in appropriate cases prevents permanent nerve damage.

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