Types of back surgery

Different types of back surgery include:

• Diskectomy. This surgery removes the damaged part of a disk in the spine. A diskectomy can relieve the pressure caused by a herniated disk.
• Laminectomy. This surgery removes the back part of a spinal bone to make more room for the spinal cord and nerves.
• Fusion. Spinal fusion removes joints affected by arthritis and may use metal implants to help permanently connect two or more bones in the spine.
• Artificial disks. These devices are made of plastic and metal. They can replace the damaged cushion between two spinal bones.