Your lifestyle and DNA may play a role in the severity of your spinal stenosis. Dr. Smith’s assessment of your condition may include diagnostic image testing in order to determine the best treatment options available to you. If your symptoms begin to worsen, you can develop new symptoms as different nerves become affected. The earlier that Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., can diagnose your spinal stenosis, the better your chances are for living with full range of motion in your spine.
Treatment for spinal stenosis usually involves a laminectomy, spinal fusion or Coflex Procedure. It may take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to recover, depending on the treatment option you select.
Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., offers patients several non-invasive treatment options for spinal stenosis, including: medications, steroids, physical, and massage therapies. However, with cutting-edge minimally invasive procedures available, like the Coflex Procedure, some patients are more likely to experience better long-term results for this condition with a surgical intervention.
Costs will vvary depending on many different factors. Talk to your doctor and insurance company regarding your treatment plan.
With so many advantages to minimally invasive surgical techniques now available, there has been a shift from the traditional open surgery model for patients in need of spinal surgery.
These technological advances allow specialists like Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., to dramatically reduce chronic back pain, while helping to facilitate faster recovery times for patients. Several procedures that have shifted to this new model include: laminectomies, artificial disc replacements, foraminotomies, and kyphoplasties – all of which provide relief from chronic pain caused by various spinal conditions.
Board-certified spinal surgeon expert, Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., proudly offers patients minimally invasive laminotomy surgery in Orange County. For patients once suffering from intense chronic spinal pain, Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., offers a pathway to a pain-free future. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) improves a patient’s quality of life through advanced treatments – like the minimally invasive laminotomy procedure. This treatment option may be advised for patients suffering from chronic pain stemming from stenosis, herniated discs, degenerative discs, spinal compression and more.
Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., is committed to seeking out solutions for patients living with chronic pain and takes a patient-first, listening approach. He is a highly-specialized surgeon based in Orange County. Dr. Smith offers patients an alternative – fewer incisions and a faster recovery time than most traditional open surgery options.
Minimally Invasive Laminotomy is an outpatient, same-day surgery, where a small portion of the lamina and ligaments are removed from the spine. The larger section of the lamina remains in place, which decreases the risk of spinal instability, but the area is relieved of pressure (decompressed) on the spinal root and nerves. This pressure, left untreated, causes pain and the development of certain spine conditions.
Spinal fusions were once the standard of care for treating patients suffering from a number of spinal conditions. However, fusions restrict motion in the spine. Additionally, fusions can cause additional complications at adjacent levels of the spine. Utilizing minimally invasive surgical techniques arose out of an interest in preservation of motion in the spine for patients.
Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., based in Orange County, CA, takes pride in offering advanced minimally invasive laminotomy surgery for patients dealing with chronic back pain. Patients once suffering from intense and persistent pain along their spines have found relief under Dr. Smith’s dedicated care. Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., is an advocate for alternative solutions like minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to enhance patients’ quality of life. Innovative treatments, such as minimally invasive laminotomy, effectively address issues like lumbar spinal stenosis, herniated discs, damaged discs, spinal compression, and more, alleviating chronic pain for his patients.
A minimally invasive laminotomy results in less spinal trauma in the region by providing a decrease in impact on the tissues and muscles that surround the degenerative or diseased disc.
A minimally invasive surgery allows for smaller incisions which result in quicker recovery times, but also require less anesthesia, which means less risk to the patient. This same-day surgery means a quicker recovery time is a quicker return to daily activities.
Additionally, a minimally invasive surgery with smaller incisions results in less discomfort for patients. Smaller incisions also provide less scarring as well.
A minimally invasive laminectomy may be suitable for the following spinal conditions:
Herniated Discs
Damaged Discs
Spinal Compression
And More!
Your surgeon is your partner in identifying whether a minimally invasive laminectomy is right for you. Your unique anatomy, the specific cause of your neck pain, and whether you have healthy spinal bones will all play a role in determining whether you are a candidate for this procedure.
Although not all patients are candidates for this procedure, there are many treatment options available. Reach out to our team for a consultation to learn more.
Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., is a fellowship-trained, highly sought after orthopaedic spinal surgeon, who specializes in laminectomy, artificial disc replacement and spinal reconstruction surgeries. Backed by decades of dedicated study, continued research and experience in surgical treatment of spinal conditions and traumas, Dr Jeremy Smith, M.D., is a leading spinal surgeon Orange County, CA.
Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., is committed to hope for all of his patients. Other doctors often refer their patients who have had previous failed spine surgeries or who have complex spinal conditions, and are in need of an experienced and highly trained surgeon to treat their condition to Dr. Smith for answers. He leads with compassion and is dedicated to the field of spinal surgery.
Your spinal surgeon is your partner in spinal health – making a well-informed decision in choosing your spinal surgeon is paramount. Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., has the expertise, knowledge, talent and proven track record to assess your condition and provide you with a treatment plan that will yield the best possible outcome. Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., continues to seek out the latest developments in technology available through his state-of-the-art facilities in order to deliver the newest advancements in spinal science to his patients.
During a laminotomy, an incision is made, the spinal cord is decompressed, the spinal nerve is decompressed, and then the back part of the vertebrae (the “lamina”) is partially removed to create more space for the nerves. The majority of the bone remains so that stability of the spine remains intact.
After the initial incision is made, the spinal cord and spinal nerves are decompressed, and then the degenerated disc is fused to an adjacent disc.
After an incision is made and the surgical decompression is complete, a spinal surgeon will insert and affix an implant to the back of a patient’s spine.
Anesthesia and Recovery Room
Before surgery, anesthesia will be administered. After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room until you wake up from surgery. When you awake, you will be unable to drive. It may take up to 4 to 6 weeks to recover from surgery.
What makes Dr. Jeremy’s approach different/unique?
Jeremy Smith is a caring and compassionate surgeon who believes in collaborative decision making with his patients. He uses surgery as a last resort, and prioritizes non-operative interventions whenever possible.
Post-Operative Care
Your fastest path to healing towards the best possible outcome is directly connected to how well you dedicate yourself to the recovery instructions given to you by your surgical team.
Physical Therapy
Committing to physical therapy post-op is imperative to restoring your strength and mobility. Physical therapy is a form of treatment and your body will heal best if it heals correctly, aligned with the coaching and advising of your physical therapist.
With decades of experience, expertise, and a proven track record, Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., offers Orange County patients the best possible outcome for your spinal condition needs. Reach out to one of our dedicated staff members today to book your consultation.
An expert consultation means finding personalized advice that is unique to you – Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., leads with a patient-first approach. Reach out for a consultation and improve your chances for living with full range of motion in your spine.
Find relief from chronic back pain and a quicker recovery from surgery than most traditional fusion options, through a minimally invasive laminotomy with Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., in Orange County. Restore natural movement and flexibility in your spine.
A minimally invasive laminotomy surgery can provide relief from pain in the spine caused by stenosis, a herniated disc, a degenerative disc, or spinal compression. Consider improving your quality of life with a minimally invasive laminotomy.
What is the primary goal of a minimally invasive laminotomy procedure?
The main goal of a minimally invasive laminotomy is to provide chronic pain relief while also restoring natural spinal movement to the region.
What is the difference between a laminotomy vs laminectomy?
What are the common conditions or issues that may require this spine surgery procedure in Orange County, CA?
Laminotomy surgeries are very common in Orange County, CA and are considered to be one of the most effective treatments for spinal stenosis, tumors, infections, abscesses, and spinal issues involving bowel and bladder dysfunction.
What are the potential risks associated with this procedure, and how does Dr. Smith address them?
You will want to discuss the possible risks of your surgery with your surgeon. Dr. Jeremy Smith, M.D., has a specific approach to managing these risks
Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions patients should consider before and after undergoing this spine surgery procedure in Orange County?
There are a few things you can do to better influence the outcome of your surgery, such as: getting proper exercise, maintaining a healthy diet and quitting smoking.
Is the procedure typically performed as an inpatient or outpatient surgery?
A minimally invasive laminotomy is an outpatient, same-day surgery. Patients can expect to return home the same day as their surgery.
What are the alternatives to this spine surgery procedure, and how do they compare in terms of effectiveness and recovery time?
Alternatives to minimally invasive laminotomy spine surgery include various surgical and non-surgical treatments, each with its own benefits and considerations. However, the choice of treatment should be based on individual patient factors, including the severity of symptoms, underlying spinal pathology, and the recommendations of the treating physician.
CATHERINE JOHNSON • LAGUNA BEACH, CA