Laminectomy Surgery

Medically reviewed by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — dual board-certified spine surgeon & neurosurgeon. Last reviewed October 2026.

A laminectomy removes the lamina — the bony roof at the back of the spinal canal — to create more room for compressed nerves. It's the classic, highly effective treatment for spinal stenosis, relieving the leg pain, heaviness, and numbness that make walking difficult. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, it's performed minimally invasively whenever your anatomy allows.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

How a Laminectomy Decompresses the Spine

Procedure Overview

A laminectomy is a decompression procedure that removes the lamina — the bony arch forming the back wall of the spinal canal — along with any thickened ligament or bone spurs crowding the nerves. By reopening the canal, it relieves the pressure that causes the leg pain, heaviness, and numbness of spinal stenosis. The goal is to remove exactly what's compressing the nerves while preserving as much of the spine's stability as possible.

Conditions We Treat

Am I a Candidate?

A laminectomy is considered when leg symptoms from stenosis limit how far you can walk, keep returning, or are progressing — and haven't been resolved by conservative care and epidural injections. Imaging (MRI or CT) confirms the narrowing and the levels involved. Most patients have tried several weeks of non-surgical care first. When removing the compression could destabilize the spine, a laminectomy may be combined with a fusion — but only when it's truly needed.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

Benefits & Risks

Expected Outcomes

Laminectomy is a reliable, well-established treatment for spinal stenosis. Most patients experience meaningful relief of leg pain and improved walking ability, often soon after surgery, with continued improvement as the nerves recover. Results depend on how long and how severely the nerves were compressed — which is why timely treatment matters. We set clear, honest expectations rather than promises.

Life Beyond the Pain

How It's Performed

Under general anesthesia, Dr. Greenwald accesses the spine through a small incision — using minimally invasive, muscle-sparing techniques wherever possible. The lamina and any thickened ligament or bone spurs pressing on the nerves are carefully removed, decompressing the canal. The nerves are confirmed to be free before closing. Because he is both a spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon, the work is done with the precision that operating around the nerves requires.

Recovery & Return to Activity

Minimally invasive, muscle-sparing techniques — used whenever your anatomy allows — typically mean a smaller incision, less pain, and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery. Your exact timeline depends on the number of levels treated and your overall health.

Insurance, Out-of-Network & Cost

Cost and coverage shouldn't stand between you and relief. Desert Spine and Pain welcomes out-of-network patients and will walk you through what your evaluation and treatment are likely to involve before anything is scheduled — so there are no surprises. We'll help you understand your benefits and options, whether you're using insurance, paying out-of-pocket, or being treated under a personal-injury claim.

Proudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area

Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix

Choosing the right spine specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a spine doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.

Laminectomy: Frequently Asked Questions