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PROCEDURES

Foraminotomy Surgery in Irving, TX & Dallas

Compressed nerves in your spinal column can lead to excruciating neck and back pain. Consider foraminotomy surgery, a procedure that widens the opening in your spine where the nerve roots exit. By doing so, it relieves the pressure on the nerves that cause your symptoms. Ignoring signs of a spine condition could lead to complications that affect your quality of life. Visit Dr. Jamie Gottlieb, an expert in minimally invasive spine procedures, such as endoscopic foraminotomy, and take the first step toward your optimal state of health. Contact us today to explore the best options for your neck and back pain.

What is a Foraminotomy?

A lumbar foraminotomy is a surgical procedure that involves enlarging the small opening, known as a foramen, between two vertebrae in the spine. The foramen serves as a channel for spinal nerves, allowing them to transmit messages between the body and the brain. When the foramen becomes narrowed or constricted, it can put pressure on the nerves, resulting in symptoms such as:

  • Lower back pain radiating to the buttocks
  • Tingling in the arms and legs
  • Weakness in the legs or spine
  • Numbness in the back or legs

A lumbar foraminotomy relieves symptoms in the lower part of the spine. However, a foraminotomy can be done on any part of the spine, depending on where the compression is. A cervical foraminotomy, for example, treats nerve compression in the neck.

What Conditions Does a Foraminotomy Treat?

ForaminotomySeveral spinal disorders may result in nerve compression. The below conditions can all cause the foramen to become too small, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves.

  • Degenerative disc disease can cause the height of the foramen to collapse and pinch a nerve
  • Stenosis, which causes the narrowing of the spinal and nerve root canals
  • A Herniated disc, when its contents protrude against one of the nerve roots exiting the spine
  • Spondylosis, which is degenerative arthritis in the spine that causes bone spurs

Nerve compression can happen at any part of the spinal column. Depending on which part of the spine is affected, your surgeon may recommend cervical foraminotomy, which is done on the upper spine or neck, or lumbar foraminotomy surgery, which is done on the lower back.

How Do I Know I Need Lumbar Foraminotomy Surgery?

Lumbar foraminotomy surgery may be necessary if you’re dealing with chronic back pain, discomfort, or weakness that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, or injections. Dr. Gottlieb starts each treatment plan with these non-surgical techniques.

However, if you’re finding that your symptoms are impacting your overall quality of life, it may be time to consider spine surgery. Lumbar foraminotomy surgery can provide significant relief for symptoms caused by spinal stenosis, disc herniation, or stenosis. Dr. Gottlieb is one of Texas’s best orthopaedic spine surgeons and will determine if this surgery is the best option for your condition.

What Happens During the Lumbar Foraminotomy Procedure?

Your surgeon will provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the procedure. The surgery itself is typically performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes a few hours.
Dr. Gottlieb typically follows this step-by-step process:

  1. Anesthesia will be administered to ensure that you are comfortably asleep throughout the entirety of the procedure.
  2. You will be positioned face-down on the surgical table.
  3. Your surgeon will make a small incision near the affected area.
  4. Utilizing a special microscope, the surgeon will carefully guide a tube through the incision to reach the targeted region.
  5. Small tools will be employed to expose and widen the affected foramen.
  6. If required, the surgeon will address any blockage that is exerting pressure on the nerve, including bulging discs or bone spurs.
  7. Once the procedure is completed, the incision will be closed.

An endoscopic foraminotomy is performed using a small camera and instruments, which are inserted through tiny incisions. This allows for greater precision and less tissue damage. The choice of procedure by your surgeon will depend on your specific needs.

Updated on Sep 13, 2024 by Dr. Jamie Gottlieb (Orthopedic Spine Surgeon) of Orthopedic Spine Center: Dr. Jamie Gottlieb

Dr. Jamie Gottlieb, MD

Dr. Jamie Gottlieb, MD, is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon with over two decades of experience treating chronic and degenerative spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis and ongoing neck and lower back pain. Dr. Gottlieb prioritizes building strong relationships with his patients, understanding their medical history and goals, and ensuring personalized treatment. Emphasizing non-surgical solutions whenever possible, Dr. Gottlieb is also well-versed in traditional, minimally invasive, and motion preservation surgery techniques.

Dr. Gottlieb earned his medical degree from Cornell University and completed his residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. After completing his residency, Dr. Gottlieb went on to gain experience as a spine surgeon and an emergency response physician at hospitals and emergency care centers in Fort Worth and Dallas. He also served as a research associate at the Scripps Clinic in San Diego and has continued to publish his findings in respected publications.

More about Dr. Gottlieb
Orthopedic Spine Center: Dr. Jamie Gottlieb
6121 State Hwy 161, Ste 225
Irving, TX 75038
(469) 528-1169
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Top Quality Care at Gottlieb Spine

If you’re dealing with persistent back or neck pain due to nerve compression, we encourage you to visit Gottlieb Spine in Texas. When conservative treatments have not provided relief, it’s important to consult with an expert in spine surgery. A foraminotomy may be the answer for long-term relief from your discomfort. Dr. Gottlieb utilizes a minimally invasive approach whenever possible. Contact our spine center today to explore your options for returning to an optimal state of health.

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