A spinal stenosis operation is aimed at relieving pressure on pinched spinal nerves. Spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal, is often caused by conditions such as bulging disc, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or osteoporosis. These conditions cause discs or other tissue to jut into the spinal canal, crowding nerves and causing irritation. In some cases, this crowding occurs specifically in the foramen, the empty space between vertebrae through which nerves pass on their way to the rest of the body. Whether the narrowing occurs in the main channel of the spinal canal or the foramen, the result can be pain, numbing, tingling and more. If these symptoms become debilitating, you may want to consider a spinal stenosis operation.
Spinal stenosis surgery can often relieve these symptoms, but choosing to undergo any surgical procedure is a major decision that should not be taken lightly. Traditional open-back surgeries, which are commonly prescribed, remove the bone, disc material, or tissue that is pressing on nerve roots. They are often referred to as decompression surgeries. Some examples are discectomies, where the damaged disc or a portion of the disc is removed, and laminectomies, where the thin, bony plate of the vertebral arch is removed.
Another procedure that commonly accompanies a spinal stenosis operation is a spinal fusion, also called a stabilization surgery. This is a procedure that uses rods or screws to hold vertebrae together for increased spine support. While it can be effective, it can also cause new back pain and other problems. And, like all traditional neck and back surgeries, spinal fusion involves risk of infection, lengthy recovery periods, hospital stays, and the possibility of infection.
Fortunately, progressive, minimally invasive treatment options are available. Laser-assisted endoscopic procedures can relieve pressure on the spinal nerves and increase spine stability with minimal recovery time, less risk of infection, and extremely small incisions. Additionally, the procedure is performed in an outpatient setting.
The award-winning surgeons at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) specialize in this type of endoscopic procedure. So, if you have been diagnosed with stenosis and a spinal stenosis operation has been recommended, you may want to contact us to find out how you can rediscover a life without pain. We can begin the process with a review of your MRI or CT scan, at absolutely no charge.
