Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal column grows more narrow. When this happens, pressure increases on the nerves in your spine, which can be painful and limits your range of mobility.
Spinal stenosis has different causes, most notably osteoarthritis. Treatments for spinal stenosis vary depending on its severity. Usually, doctors will try to treat spinal stenosis with conservative treatment, but when these aren’t enough, surgery may be the best treatment option.
Surgical options for spinal stenosis
Orthopedic surgeons have different options when it comes to treating spinal stenosis. Usually, they will try to treat spinal stenosis with minimally invasive surgery, although traditional open spine surgery is sometimes the only choice.
Common surgical options for spinal stenosis include:
- Laminectomy — The lamina is the part of the vertebrae that protect the spinal cord from harm. Removing the lamina using laminectomy can reduce pressure off the spinal cord, which may lessen pain and improve your range of motion.
- Laminotomy — In some cases of spinal stenosis, only a portion of the lamina needs to be removed. Laminotomy is a partial removal of the lamina. Generally, the procedure involves drilling a small hole into the lamina to reduce pressure off of a particularly troublesome area in the vertebra.
- Laminoplasty — If spinal stenosis is affecting one or more of the vertebra in your neck, an orthopedic surgeon may perform laminoplasty. This procedure involves the opening of the spinal canal using hardware to create a gap in the lamina to reduce pressure off the spinal cord.
- Spinal fusion — If one or more of the vertebra is severely damaged, an orthopedic surgeon may perform a spinal fusion. This procedure joins two or more vertebra together to form one solid piece of bone that protects your spinal cord.
Visit the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute for spinal stenosis surgery
If spinal stenosis is causing pain and immobility in your life, you may benefit from orthopedic spine surgery. Our team at the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute is skilled in multiple surgeries for treating spinal stenosis pain. Contact us today to learn more about spinal stenosis treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.
