I am having a lumbar laminectomy- any thoughts or alternatives?

Yes: You can try physical therapy and injections prior to the laminectomy. If those don't make you better, the lumbar laminectomy is a great procedure with minimal risks and complications while giving great results.

Laminectomy Options: Most lumbar spine procedures are performed to decompress and create more space for the nerves in the spinal canal. A classic laminectomy involves removal of more bone as compared to newer minimally invasive procedures as an interlaminar decompression through a unilateral laminotomy (hole). Depending on the pathology, some disc herniations can be removed with an endoscope through an 8 mm incision.

This is done for : Spinal stenosis or a large disc herniation causing predominantly leg pain that has failed non op care including: time, medication, physical therapy and possibly epidural steroid injections. It should not be done for predominantly back pain or in someone with imaging evidence of instability as the sole procedure.