Lumbar Spine Surgery

Consider lumbar spine surgery if you have chronic lower back pain that doesn’t improve with rest, activity changes, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication. Lumbar spine surgery can correct the underlying problem and provide lasting relief. At his practice in Santa Monica, California, orthopedic spine surgeon William Sheppard, MD, MPH, specializes in lumbar spine surgery. His knowledge and expertise relieve pain quickly and promote healing. Call the office of William Sheppard, MD, today to schedule a lumbar spine surgery consultation, or book your appointment online.

What is lumbar spine surgery?

Lumbar spine surgery is an orthopedic surgery that repairs damage and/or disease affecting the lower back (lumbar spine). These procedures relieve lower back and leg pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life.

Most people with lower back pain respond to conservative treatments, including activity changes, weight loss, and physical therapy. If your pain continues or gets worse, Dr. Sheppard could recommend lumbar spine surgery.

Are there different types of lumbar spine surgery?

Dr. Sheppard provides several types of lumbar spine surgery, including:

Laminectomy

You might benefit from a laminectomy if you have a narrowed spinal canal that places excess pressure on an intervertebral disc or the surrounding nerves. A laminectomy opens the lamina, a bone at the back of each vertebra. Opening the lamina takes pressure off the affected nerves or disc and relieves pain.

Discectomy

Dr. Sheppard might recommend a discectomy if you have a bulging or herniated disc that places excess pressure on one or more spinal nerves. A discectomy removes some or all of the damaged disc, relieving pressure and pain.

Spinal fusion

A discectomy relieves lower back pain caused by two or more vertebrae rubbing together. During this procedure, Dr. Sheppard uses a bone graft to fuse the affected vertebrae. This prevents them from moving, ensures spinal stability, and provides lasting relief from pain. However, fusion does limit your range of motion.

Disc replacement surgery

Disc replacement surgery replaces a damaged or diseased intervertebral disc with an artificial disc (prosthetic). This prosthetic restores the space between your vertebrae, taking pressure off the surrounding nerves and relieving pain.

Which lumbar spine surgery is right for me?

The lumbar spine surgery that’s right for you will depend on what’s causing your discomfort and how severe your symptoms are.

Dr. Sheppard reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam before making a recommendation. He orders blood work, a urinalysis, and diagnostic imaging to determine the source of your pain and determine the best surgical approach.

After identifying the source of your lower back pain, Dr. Sheppard makes personalized treatment recommendations. Regardless of the cause, he takes a minimally invasive approach whenever possible.

Call the office of William Sheppard, MD, today to schedule a lumbar spine surgery consultation, or book your appointment online.