How Do You Know When You Should Have Surgery for Spinal Stenosis?

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If you have long-lasting pain in your spine, it may be related to spinal stenosis. This is a condition that causes the spinal cord to grow more narrow, which puts pressure on the nerves in your spine. It’s often the result of osteoarthritis but it may also be caused by herniated discs and other injuries.

Who needs surgery for spinal stenosis?

Surgery is typically the last treatment option for spinal stenosis. Medical professionals usually try to treat it with medications and physical rehabilitation.

However, if these conservative treatments are proving to be inefficient or if your pain is too severe, your doctor may recommend orthopedic surgery.

How do surgeons treat spinal stenosis?

Below are three frequently performed surgeries for treating spinal stenosis:

• Laminectomy — Laminectomy is the most frequently performed procedure for spinal stenosis. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of the lamina, which is the part of your spine that covers the spinal canal. Removing this portion of your vertebrae creates more room for your spinal canal and can reduce some of the pressure off your nerves that results from spinal stenosis.
• Foraminotomy — The goal of a foraminotomy is similar to that of a laminectomy in that the surgeon is attempting to reduce pressure off the nerves. In a foraminotomy, the surgeon expands the foramen, which is the part of the vertebrae where the nerve roots exit.
• Spinal fusion — If the spinal stenosis is severe and creating instability in your spine, surgeons may perform a spinal fusion. The goal of this procedure is to join two or more vertebrae together to provide support for the unstable areas of the spine.

Visit the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute for spinal stenosis surgery

Has your doctor diagnosed you with spinal stenosis or do you need an examination to see if that’s the cause of your pain? Our team at the Florida Spine and Joint Institute can help. Our orthopedic specialists can examine your back for signs of spinal stenosis and provide the necessary treatment. Contact our team today for more information about spinal stenosis surgery or to schedule an initial appointment.