Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
Chronic back pain and leg numbness can make everyday activities feel impossible. When conservative treatments fail to relieve spinal stenosis or herniated disc symptoms, you may find yourself wondering if surgery is the only path forward. A laminectomy offers a proven solution for decompressing the spinal canal and restoring your quality of life.
At NeuroSpine Plus, we understand the weight of deciding on spine surgery. With over 20 years of experience and more than 8,000 successful surgeries, Dr. Edward Scheid and his team bring both skill and compassion to every procedure. Our Mount Laurel location provides convenient access to minimally invasive spine surgery that prioritizes faster recovery and exceptional outcomes.
What Is a Laminectomy?
A laminectomy is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots by removing part of the lamina, the bony arch of the vertebra. This decompression surgery creates more space within the spinal canal, alleviating symptoms caused by spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or bone spurs. The procedure can be performed on various regions of the spine, though it’s most commonly needed in the lumbar region where nerve compression frequently occurs.
We perform laminectomies using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. This approach involves smaller incisions, reduced muscle disruption, and typically results in less postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgery. By utilizing advanced surgical methods and precision instruments, we achieve thorough decompression while minimizing tissue trauma and promoting faster healing.
Conditions Treated With Laminectomy
Laminectomy addresses several spine conditions that cause nerve compression and chronic pain. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that often develops with age, is one of the primary indications for this procedure. When the canal becomes too narrow, it can pinch the spinal cord or nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs or arms.
Herniated discs may also require a laminectomy when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. As disc material pushes into the spinal canal, it can compress nearby nerves and cause radiating pain down the legs, a condition known as sciatica. Bone spurs, thickened ligaments, and tumors affecting the spine are additional conditions that may benefit from decompression surgery.
Recognizing When Surgery Becomes Necessary
Many patients attempt physical therapy, medications, and injections before considering surgery. While these conservative approaches work well for some, others continue experiencing debilitating symptoms that interfere with work, sleep, and daily activities. Surgery may become necessary when numbness or weakness progresses, when pain prevents you from performing essential tasks, or when your quality of life significantly declines despite non-surgical interventions.
The Minimally Invasive Advantage
At NeuroSpine Plus, we prioritize minimally invasive procedures that offer significant advantages over traditional open surgery. Our approach uses smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and advanced imaging technology to perform precise decompression with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. This technique typically results in less blood loss, reduced postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stays.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, minimally invasive spine surgery has become increasingly refined, offering patients improved outcomes and faster recovery times while maintaining the same effectiveness as traditional approaches. Recovery from a minimally invasive laminectomy often allows patients to return to light activities within weeks rather than months, making it an attractive option for those seeking relief without extended downtime.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from a laminectomy varies based on the extent of surgery and your overall health, but most patients follow a similar trajectory. Immediately after surgery, you’ll spend time in recovery where medical staff monitors your vital signs and manages any discomfort. Many patients go home the same day or within 24 hours, particularly when minimally invasive techniques are used.
The First Weeks After Surgery
During the initial recovery phase, your focus will be on managing pain, protecting your incision site, and gradually increasing your activity level. We provide detailed instructions about movement restrictions, wound care, and signs of potential complications to watch for. Most patients begin walking shortly after surgery, which helps prevent blood clots and promotes healing. Physical therapy typically begins within a few weeks to help you regain strength, flexibility, and proper movement patterns.
Pain management is an important component of recovery. While some discomfort is normal, we work closely with you to ensure pain remains controlled without relying heavily on opioid medications. Many patients find that their pre-surgery pain improves immediately as the compressed nerves are relieved, though the surgical site itself may be sore during healing.
Why Choose NeuroSpine Plus for Your Laminectomy
Our Mount Laurel location provides comprehensive spine care with the benefit of Dr. Scheid’s extensive surgical experience. Having successfully completed over 8,000 surgeries throughout his 20-year career, Dr. Scheid brings both technical precision and a deep understanding of patient concerns to every procedure. We combine this surgical experience with a patient-centered approach that prioritizes clear communication, thorough education, and individualized treatment plans.
Beyond our surgical capabilities, we offer the convenience of multiple locations throughout New Jersey, making follow-up appointments and ongoing care accessible regardless of where you live or work. Our team includes dedicated physician assistants and medical professionals who support your care from initial consultation through full recovery. We understand that spine surgery represents a significant decision, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel informed, supported, and confident throughout the entire process.
Schedule Your Consultation at NeuroSpine Plus in Mount Laurel
Living with chronic back pain or neurological symptoms doesn’t have to be your reality. If conservative treatments haven’t provided the relief you need, a laminectomy may offer the solution you’ve been seeking. We invite you to schedule a consultation at our Mount Laurel location to discuss your symptoms, explore your treatment options, and determine whether this procedure is right for you.
Our team at NeuroSpine Plus serves patients throughout Central and Southern New Jersey with comprehensive spine care tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to take the first step toward lasting relief and improved mobility.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
Last updated: March 6, 2026The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across six convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical expertise in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice.