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Decompression Surgery

Microdiscectomy & Laminectomy

Two of the most common and dependable procedures for relieving a pinched nerve in the spine. Use the interactive guide below to explore how each one works, what it treats, and what recovery looks like — then reach out to Dr. Tyndall, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, with your questions.

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Relieving Pressure on a Pinched Nerve

Leg pain, sciatica, numbness, and difficulty walking often come from something pressing on the nerves in your spine — either a herniated disc or a narrowed spinal canal (stenosis). Microdiscectomy and laminectomy are decompression procedures that remove what is causing the pressure. In Dr. Tyndall's hands, both are performed with minimally invasive, tissue-sparing techniques guided by computerized navigation.

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Explore Each Procedure

Microdiscectomy

When a disc herniates, its soft inner material pushes out and presses on a nearby spinal nerve — the usual source of sciatica. In a microdiscectomy, Dr. Tyndall removes just the herniated fragment through a small incision under magnification, taking the pressure off the nerve while leaving the rest of the disc intact.

Best for
Herniated disc, sciatica, leg pain & radiculopathy
Approach
Small incision (often < 1 inch), magnification-assisted, navigation-guided
Anesthesia
General; typically about one hour
Hospital stay
Often same-day / outpatient
Recovery
Light activity in 1–2 weeks; fuller recovery ~6 weeks
Vertebral body Spinal canal Herniation

Laminectomy

In spinal stenosis, the spinal canal narrows and crowds the nerves — frequently causing leg pain, heaviness, or cramping that worsens with walking. In a laminectomy, Dr. Tyndall removes part or all of the lamina (the bony roof of the canal) to reopen the space and free the nerves, preserving as much normal structure as possible.

Best for
Spinal stenosis, neurogenic claudication, leg pain with walking
Approach
Minimally invasive when possible; removes part of the lamina
Anesthesia
General; length depends on levels treated
Hospital stay
Outpatient or a short stay, depending on the case
Recovery
Progresses over several weeks; most activity by 6–12 weeks
Vertebral body Canal reopened Lamina removed

Diagrams are simplified illustrations for education and are not exact anatomical depictions.

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Your Procedure, Step by Step

Side-by-Side Comparison

Microdiscectomy Laminectomy
Main problemHerniated discSpinal stenosis
What's removedHerniated disc fragmentPart of the lamina (bony roof)
Typical symptom relievedSciatica / leg painLeg pain with walking
IncisionOften < 1 inchSmall; varies by levels
Hospital stayOften same-dayOutpatient or short stay
Fuller recovery~6 weeks~6–12 weeks

Sometimes both are combined — for example, removing a disc fragment and widening the canal in the same operation. Dr. Tyndall tailors the plan to what your imaging and symptoms show.

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What Recovery Looks Like

Timelines are typical ranges and vary with the procedure, number of levels treated, and individual healing. Dr. Tyndall gives every patient a personalized recovery plan.

Are You a Candidate?

Surgery is usually considered after nonsurgical care — rest, medication, physical therapy, and injections — has not given enough relief, or when symptoms are progressing. You may be a candidate if you have:

Sudden severe weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, can be a surgical emergency — seek care right away or call 911.

Why Choose Dr. Tyndall

Minimally Invasive Focus
Tissue-sparing techniques for smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, and a faster recovery
Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Over 20 years of specialized experience dedicated to the spine
Elite Training
NYU medical degree, Stanford residency, and spine fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
Computerized Navigation Pioneer
First surgeon in Indiana to use computerized navigation for outpatient minimally invasive spine surgery
Trusted by Patients
Four-time Patients' Choice honoree with a 4.9 out of 5 rating across 300+ reviews
Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute
Practicing at Northwest Indiana's most preferred orthopedic and spine practice
Herniated disc · Sciatica · Spinal stenosis · Minimally invasive spine surgery · Endoscopic spine decompression

Frequently Asked Questions

Both procedures relieve pressure on the spinal nerves, but they address different problems. A microdiscectomy removes the herniated portion of a disc that is pinching a nerve, which is most often the cause of sciatica. A laminectomy removes part of the lamina, the bony roof of the spinal canal, to create more room for nerves squeezed by spinal stenosis. Dr. Tyndall selects the procedure based on what your imaging and symptoms show is compressing your nerves.
A microdiscectomy is frequently performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients go home the same day. It is one of the most common and reliable minimally invasive spine operations, and many patients notice relief of their leg pain soon after surgery. Dr. Tyndall was among the first surgeons in Indiana to offer outpatient minimally invasive spine surgery using computerized navigation.
Recovery varies by procedure and individual. After a microdiscectomy, many patients return to light activity within 1 to 2 weeks and recover more fully over about 6 weeks. After a laminectomy, recovery generally progresses over several weeks, with most normal activities resumed within 6 to 12 weeks depending on how much decompression was needed. Dr. Tyndall gives every patient an individualized recovery plan.
Dr. Tyndall uses minimally invasive, tissue-sparing techniques whenever appropriate. A microdiscectomy is often performed through an incision of about one inch or less. A laminectomy may require a slightly larger incision depending on how many levels are treated, but minimally invasive approaches preserve more muscle and tissue and leave smaller scars than traditional open surgery.
Surgery is usually considered after conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and injections have not provided adequate relief, or when there is progressive weakness or numbness. Good candidates typically have leg pain, sciatica, or difficulty walking caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis confirmed on imaging such as an MRI. Dr. Tyndall evaluates each patient individually before recommending surgery.
Yes. Dwight S. Tyndall, MD, FAAOS is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who performs microdiscectomy and laminectomy using minimally invasive, tissue-sparing techniques guided by computerized navigation. He was the first surgeon in Indiana to use computerized navigation for outpatient minimally invasive spine surgery. He practices at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, with offices in Crown Point and Schererville, Indiana.
It depends on what is compressing your nerves. If a herniated disc fragment is pinching a nerve and causing sciatica, a microdiscectomy is typically the answer. If a narrowed spinal canal from stenosis is squeezing the nerves and causing leg pain with walking, a laminectomy is usually appropriate. In some cases both are combined in a single operation. Dr. Tyndall reviews your MRI and examination to recommend the most effective approach.

Get Answers About Your Back or Leg Pain

If sciatica or leg pain is holding you back, find out whether a microdiscectomy or laminectomy could help. Dr. Tyndall will review your imaging and explain your options. Call today to schedule a consultation.

(219) 250-5035

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Crown Point Office

500 E. 109th Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307

Schererville Office

833 W. Lincoln Highway, Suite 110
Schererville, IN 46375