A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that is done to decompress the spinal cord or nerve roots, where they exit the spinal cord. The surgery is usually done to address leg weakness, pain, and/or numbness/tingling that are the result of spinal stenosis.

The lamina is part of the vertebra and forms the posterior (back) part of the vertebral canal. A laminectomy involves removing the lamina bone, allowing the vertebral canal more space. The procedure is also referred to as spinal decompression surgery.

Laminectomy surgery is sometimes combined with discectomy or lumbar fusion surgery, depending on signs and symptoms.

Spinal stabilization training is important following laminectomy surgery for two reasons.

First, part of the vertebra is literally removed. This makes the spine less stable by default, the posterior part of the vertebral arch is gone.

Second, the lumbar paraspinal and multifidi musculature is cut through during the procedure. These muscles are primary stabilizers of the lumbar spine. The require strength, endurance, and neuromuscular control training after being incised during the laminectomy procedure.