A lumbar laminectomy is surgery to relieve lower back pain. Doctors generally choose to perform this surgery only if other treatments have failed. The procedure requires the surgeon to extract a part of the arch on the vertebra surface. This arch is called the lamina. Before surgery, doctors may prescribe alternatives that can reduce pain without invasive procedures.
Analgesics
Pain relief is the goal of a laminectomy, but the pain also can be reduced with analgesics such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin. NSAIDs available over-the-counter without a prescription include Aleve (generic: naproxen sodium) and Advil (generic: ibuprofen).
Naproxen sodium may cause such side effects as difficulty breathing, headaches, constipation, indigestion and double vision. Ibuprofen may cause side effects including diarrhea, itching, nausea and stomach pain.
Muscle Relaxants
Muscle relaxants also may relieve the pain associated with lower back pain. Methocarbamol, sold as Robaxin, is a prescription medicine used for muscle relaxation. It may cause such side effects as rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, a cough, chills, abdominal pain or a lack of bladder control.
Another muscle relaxant is cyclobenzaprine, marketed as Flexeril, Amrix and Fexmid. Cyclobenzaprine side effects may include skin color changes, rapid heartbeat, a rash or more serious conditions such as seizures, vomiting, hallucinations and difficulty breathing.
Weight Loss
Being overweight places undue stress on the human spine. If you are overweight, go on a diet to lose the excess pounds or, in extreme cases where relief for back pain is necessary immediately, surgery to remove weight might be considered.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help to reduce the pain in the lower back. The physical therapist will need to plan a treatment course with you to keep the pain in check as well as to help you move better, give you strength and increase range of motion.
TENS
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) can be used as an alternative to back surgery. The treatment requires low-level electric current to help nerve stimulation in the area of pain. Electrodes are used to send the current into the nerves where it can help your body produce more endorphins. Endorphins help the body to reduce pain.
Rest
Getting rest, particular in bed, also may help relieve lower back pain. Doctors may recommend 48 hours of bed rest to help relieve muscle strain pain in the back.
Epidural Injections
Doctors may inject medications such as corticosteroids into the painful area to relieve pain. Indomethacin, a medication often prescribed for gout or arthritis pain, also may be used as an epidural injection for pain relief.
