Spinal Stenosis Surgical Treatment

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal that can result in pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This condition can be degenerative, meaning it gets worse over time, and can cause a variety of painful and debilitating symptoms such as pain in the back, legs, hips or neck, loss of balance and loss of bowel or bladder control. There are many causes of spinal stenosis ranging from osteoarthritis to herniated discs to tumors. Surgical treatment, just one option available, is not a cure-all but does strive to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord to relieve the symptoms.

Decompressive Laminectomy

• A decompressive laminectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the lamina, two small bones that cover the spinal canal. Removing these bones can open up the spinal canal allowing decompression of the nerves relieving the pressure and therefore the pain. This procedure can be performed either through open surgery meaning through an incision in the back or through laproscopic surgery which utilizes several small incisions to insert cameras and instruments to perform the procedure.

Laminotomy

• A laminotomy is a surgical procedure to remove a portion of the lamina, or spurs of those bones covering the spinal canal that may be protruding into the canal and pressing on the nerves. This procedure creates more space in the spinal canal and takes the pressure off of the nerves thereby reducing the often painful symptoms.

Fusion

• Fusion surgery involves fusing two or more vertebra together. This type of surgery is necessary when the intervertebral disc (soft gel-like cushion between each vertebra) either dries out or is damaged causing the vertebra (bones of the spine) to rub together. The bones rubbing together can damage the bones further, pinch the nerves and create instability in the spine. This surgery will relieve the symptoms from the damaged area but because that portion of the spine can no longer move, the areas above and below the fusion have more stress on them which make those areas more susceptible to injury.

Foraminotomy

• A foraminotomy is a surgical procedure that increases the opening in the spine where the nerves run from the spinal cord. This opening can become narrowed through the contents of an intervertebral disc leaking out, bone spurs or inflammation caused by arthritis.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• There are many non-surgical treatments available to help alleviate the symptoms of spinal stenosis. Physical therapy can strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine offering stability and flexibility. Medications such as steroids to decrease the inflammation and analgesics to treat the pain can offer temporary relief. Wearing a back brace can also offer relief and help to strengthen the spine.