Two of the most common and effective procedures for relieving pinched nerves in the spine. Use the interactive guide below to explore how each one works, what it treats, and what recovery looks like — then call Dr. Hobbs with your questions.
Leg pain, sciatica, numbness, and difficulty walking are often caused by 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's causing the pressure. Both can be performed with minimally invasive, tissue-sparing techniques.
Each one relieves a different kind of pressure. Tap a procedure to see what it removes and why.
When a disc herniates, its soft inner material pushes out and presses on a nearby spinal nerve — the usual cause of sciatica. In a microdiscectomy, Dr. Hobbs removes just the herniated fragment through a small incision using a microscope, taking the pressure off the nerve while leaving the rest of the disc intact.
In spinal stenosis, the spinal canal narrows and squeezes the nerves — often causing leg pain, heaviness, or cramping that worsens with walking. In a laminectomy, Dr. Hobbs 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.
Educational illustrations. Selected structures are cut away or separated to show the anatomy.
From your first visit to walking out the door, here is how a decompression unfolds.
| Microdiscectomy | Laminectomy | |
|---|---|---|
| Main problem | Herniated disc | Spinal stenosis |
| What's removed | Herniated disc fragment | Part of the lamina (bony roof) |
| Typical symptom relieved | Sciatica / leg pain | Leg pain with walking |
| Incision | Often < 1 inch | Small; varies by levels |
| Hospital stay | Often same-day | Outpatient 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. Hobbs tailors the plan to what your imaging and symptoms show.
Decompression recovers faster than fusion because nothing has to heal into bone — the nerve simply needs room and time.
Timelines are typical ranges and vary with the procedure, number of levels treated, and individual healing. Dr. Hobbs gives every patient a personalized recovery plan.
A good decompression frees the nerve completely while disturbing as little else as possible. Dr. Hobbs pairs magnification and image guidance with muscle-sparing technique to do exactly that.
Surgery is usually considered after nonsurgical care — rest, medication, physical therapy, and injections — hasn't 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.
ABNS
Residency
M.D.Tissue-sparing, microscope- and navigation-guided techniques for smaller incisions and faster recovery.
StealthStation navigation confirms the level and guides an accurate, targeted decompression.
Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.
University of Kentucky medical degree; neurosurgery residency at the University of Chicago, serving as chief resident.
Nonsurgical options are explored first; surgery is recommended only when it is the right answer.
Practicing at Northwest Indiana's most preferred orthopedic and spine practice, with offices in Crown Point & Chesterton.
If sciatica or leg pain is holding you back, find out whether a microdiscectomy or laminectomy could help. Dr. Hobbs will review your imaging and explain your options. Call today to schedule a consultation.
(219) 250-5010Monday – Friday · 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
500 E. 109th Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307
601 Gateway Boulevard
Chesterton, IN 46304
Your next step
Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D. is a board-certified neurosurgeon at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute. For questions about microdiscectomy & laminectomy, call the office to arrange an individual evaluation and discuss which options may be appropriate.
Consultation offices: Crown Point, Chesterton. Your symptoms, examination, imaging, and prior treatment help guide the discussion.
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