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Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Lumbar disc decompression for nerve pressure and sciatica.

Lumbar disc decompression is a minimally invasive spine procedure that relieves pressure on lumbar nerves caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or thickened ligament. At Pathway, care is reviewed by a fellowship-trained spine neurosurgeon and coordinated from consultation through recovery.

Herniated disc Sciatica Lumbar radiculopathy Nerve compression No referral required
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Goal Reduce pressure on a lumbar spinal nerve.
Approach Minimally invasive decompression where clinically appropriate.
Typical scheduling Surgery is often scheduled 2-4 weeks after consultation.
Recovery range Desk work may be possible in 1-2 weeks for some patients.
When It May Help

Used when symptoms and imaging point to lumbar nerve compression.

Lumbar decompression is most often discussed when imaging and symptoms point to a compressed nerve root. Patients may describe pain travelling from the low back into the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot, sometimes with numbness, tingling, or weakness.

A consultation focuses on matching the symptoms to the imaging and confirming that surgery is likely to address the source of nerve compression.

Common reasons to discuss it

  • Herniated lumbar disc
  • Sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy
  • Persistent leg pain despite conservative care
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness linked to nerve compression

Reasons to be cautious

  • Back-dominant pain without nerve compression
  • Symptoms that do not match imaging
  • Medical risks that require optimization first
  • Spinal instability that may require a different procedure
Procedure Path

How decompression relieves nerve pressure.

The specific technique varies by anatomy and diagnosis. The goal is to create space around the affected nerve so symptoms have a chance to improve.

01 Plan

Confirm the pain generator

The surgeon reviews imaging, symptoms, neurologic findings, treatment history, and patient goals before recommending surgery.

02 Decompress

Relieve pressure on the nerve

Through a minimally invasive approach where appropriate, the surgeon removes the disc, bone, or ligament tissue pressing on the nerve.

03 Recover

Progress activity carefully

Walking usually begins early, while bending, lifting, work demands, and sport are advanced according to the surgeon's instructions.

Recovery

A typical recovery is measured in weeks, with individual variation.

Many patients are discharged the same day and begin walking early. Relief of leg pain can be rapid, but nerve recovery, back soreness, conditioning, and return to work vary.

Your surgeon will provide restrictions based on the exact procedure, your symptoms, and your physical demands.

Day of surgery Walking is often encouraged when safe. Discharge timing depends on the facility and clinical status.
Week 1-2 Some patients can return to desk work. Lifting, bending, and driving restrictions are individualized.
Week 4-6 Physical work and higher-demand activity may resume gradually if symptoms and healing allow.
Ongoing Rehabilitation focuses on walking tolerance, core strength, mobility, and safe return to normal activity.
Dr. Eric Massicotte
Spine Specialist

Dr. Eric Massicotte, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Eric Massicotte is a minimally invasive spine neurosurgeon and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. Pathway's spine pathway connects patients with specialist review and coordinated surgical planning.

View Dr. Massicotte's profile →

FAQ

Questions patients often ask.

Lumbar disc decompression may be considered when a herniated disc, bone spur, or thickened ligament is compressing a lumbar nerve and causing leg pain, numbness, weakness, sciatica, or lumbar radiculopathy. A surgeon determines candidacy after reviewing symptoms, examination findings, and imaging.
No. Lumbar decompression is intended to relieve pressure on a nerve by removing the tissue causing compression. Spinal fusion stabilizes a spinal segment and is used for different indications. Some patients need only decompression; others may need fusion depending on instability, deformity, or other clinical factors.
Many patients are encouraged to walk the day of surgery, but activity progression depends on the procedure details, symptoms, and the surgeon's instructions. Desk work may be possible in one to two weeks for some patients, while physically demanding work can take longer.
Helpful information includes recent MRI or CT images and reports, a medication list, prior treatment history such as physiotherapy or injections, and a short summary of symptoms, leg pain pattern, weakness, numbness, and functional limitations.
Next Step

Find out whether decompression matches your symptoms and imaging.

Speak with a patient liaison about your situation. No referral is required, and consultations are typically scheduled within 1-4 business days.

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