Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
Chronic back pain and numbness in your legs can make even simple daily activities feel overwhelming. When spinal stenosis or herniated discs compress your nerves, conservative treatments may not provide the relief you need. You deserve a solution that addresses the root cause of your discomfort and restores your quality of life.
At NeuroSpine Plus, Dr. Edward Scheid and his team have successfully performed over 8,000 minimally invasive spine surgeries, including laminectomy procedures that relieve nerve compression and restore mobility. With more than 20 years of experience, we offer precise surgical solutions, providing patients throughout Hudson County with access to advanced spinal care.
What Is a Laminectomy?
A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the lamina, the bony arch on the back of your vertebra, to create more space in your spinal canal. When bone spurs, herniated discs, or thickened ligaments narrow the spinal canal, they can press on your spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, weakness, and numbness. This condition, known as spinal stenosis, commonly affects the lower back but can also occur in the neck.
By removing part of the lamina, we create additional room for your nerves, reducing pressure and alleviating symptoms. The procedure can be performed on one or multiple vertebrae, depending on the extent and location of your nerve compression. We often combine a laminectomy with other procedures, such as spinal fusion, when additional stabilization is needed to prevent instability after decompression.
Conditions Treated With Laminectomy
We perform laminectomy procedures to address several spinal conditions that cause nerve compression. Spinal stenosis is the most common reason for this surgery, particularly when conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or epidural injections no longer provide adequate relief. The procedure effectively treats lumbar spinal stenosis, which affects the lower back, and cervical spinal stenosis in the neck.
Herniated discs that press on nerve roots may also require a laminectomy when non-surgical approaches fail to resolve symptoms. Bone spurs, which develop with age and arthritis, can narrow the spinal canal and benefit from this decompressive surgery. Thickened ligaments, particularly the ligamentum flavum, may also compress nerves and warrant surgical intervention.
Some patients experience relief from sciatica symptoms when a laminectomy addresses the underlying nerve compression in the lumbar spine. We evaluate each case individually to determine whether this procedure is the most appropriate solution for your specific spinal condition.
The Minimally Invasive Approach
We prioritize minimally invasive techniques for laminectomy procedures, which offer significant advantages over traditional open surgery. Through smaller incisions and specialized instruments, we can access the affected area while minimizing damage to surrounding muscles and tissues. This approach reduces blood loss, decreases post-operative pain, and typically results in shorter hospital stays.
Our minimally invasive laminectomy procedures often allow patients to go home the same day or after a brief overnight stay. The reduced tissue trauma means less scarring and a lower risk of complications compared to traditional approaches. Most patients experience less post-operative discomfort and require fewer pain medications during recovery.
The precision of minimally invasive techniques also helps preserve spinal stability. By removing only the necessary amount of bone and tissue, we maintain as much of the spine’s natural structure as possible while still achieving adequate decompression. This careful approach contributes to better long-term outcomes and lower rates of revision surgery.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from a minimally invasive laminectomy typically progresses faster than recovery from traditional open surgery. Most patients notice immediate relief from nerve compression symptoms, though some numbness or weakness may take several weeks to months to fully resolve. We encourage walking and light activities within the first few days after surgery to promote healing and prevent complications.
Physical therapy often begins within a few weeks of your procedure to help restore strength, flexibility, and proper movement patterns. Your rehabilitation program will be tailored to your specific needs and surgical details. Most patients can return to desk work within two to four weeks, while those with physically demanding jobs may need four to six weeks before resuming full duties.
Long-term results of laminectomy are generally favorable, with many patients experiencing significant improvement in pain, numbness, and mobility. While the procedure does not reverse arthritis or prevent future spinal degeneration, it effectively addresses the current nerve compression causing your symptoms.
Why Choose NeuroSpine Plus in North Bergen
Our North Bergen location offers convenient access to advanced spinal care for residents throughout Hudson County and the surrounding areas. Dr. Scheid’s extensive surgical experience and commitment to minimally invasive techniques have resulted in over 8,000 successful surgeries, establishing NeuroSpine Plus as a leader in spine surgery. We combine surgical precision with personalized care, ensuring you understand every aspect of your treatment plan.
We serve patients from North Bergen, Jersey City, Union City, Weehawken, Guttenberg, and throughout the region. For those facing transportation challenges, we offer telemedicine consultations and transportation services to remove barriers to receiving quality spinal care. Our team evaluates each patient thoroughly to determine whether surgery is necessary or if conservative treatments might still provide relief.
At NeuroSpine Plus, we understand the impact chronic spine pain has on your daily life, work, and relationships. Dr. Scheid and our dedicated team focus on delivering personalized treatment plans that address your specific condition and goals. From your initial consultation through recovery, we provide comprehensive support to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If chronic back pain, leg numbness, or difficulty walking is limiting your life, a consultation at our North Bergen office can help you explore your treatment options. We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation, review your imaging studies, and discuss whether a laminectomy or another approach is right for your situation. Don’t let spinal stenosis control your life any longer.
Contact our office to schedule your consultation at our North Bergen location. We’re committed to helping you find lasting relief and return to the activities you enjoy.
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.