During a laminectomy, surgeons sometimes remove part of a disk in addition to the lamina to treat a back problem. Laminectomies are most effective at treating the leg pain that can result from a ruptured or herniated disk. The operation is less effective for back pain. Laminectomies are also used to treat spinal stenosis, a condition in which the area in a vertebra that encloses the spinal cord is too narrow. The stenosis also can cause back pain and leg weakness.
New research suggests that ruptured disks can run in families.
A genetic defect causes the production of an abnormal protein in the disk. Most likely the protein weakens the disk, causing it to rupture. There's no test available now to determine whether you have this genetic defect. But if ruptured disks run in your family, you should be extra careful to protect your back. Back pain is associated with several factors, including being overweight, smoking, lack of exercise and improper lifting.