spinal cord Stimulater/laminotomy

  i am scheduled for a SCS this month and they also have me down for a laminotomy. I would like to know more about this,and have questions about it,since it concerns my spine.                                                                                                                                                                                                     what is a Laminotomy and how do they know i need one,or is that common with a SCS.?                                                                                          Why do i have to have this and also,is it dangerous?                                                                                                                                                                                                          Thank you ,                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Karen Rivera======
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Dear Karen,
thanks for the question.
Laminotomy is basically making a hole in the lamina (which is a part of the vertebra/spine bones) It is through this hole that the spinal cord stimulator is inserted and left in there. I don't know your circumstances but this is usually done in some cases of intractable pain. We do it here too at the clinic and have had good success. It works for some patients but not for others. Good luck.