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Spinal stenosis

Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis is the most common reason why individuals 65 or older have spinal surgery.

SS Image Condition

What is spinal stenosis?

The spinal canal located at the rear of every vertebra has a large opening where the spinal cord travels, particularly in the thoracic and cervical regions of the spine. On the other hand, a group of nerve roots is located on the opening in the lumbar region. These openings that branch away from the spinal canal are called foramina. The foramina provide different paths used by the nerve roots traversing the spinal column to the other parts of the body.

Spinal stenosis impedes nerve functions, as one or more (foramina) openings narrow, creating a compression or harmful pressure on the vertebral bone causing pain in the spinal column and or in other body parts.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis typically affects the lower back or neck. The most common symptoms include pain, numbness, and stiffness. The pain usually starts as an ache in the lower back which then shoot down to the buttocks and legs. Patients with sciatica may also experience “foot drop,” which is a painful leg weakness. Because of the pain and discomfort, the patient may experience a hard time walking or standing. In severe cases, sciatica weakens the nerves in the bowel or bladder.

What causes spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is caused by the narrowing of the open spaces or openings in the spinal column that creates passageways for the spinal cord and the spinal nerve. The narrowing, or in some cases an intrusion into these gaps, can be a source of nerve compression. The cervical and lumbar areas are the most frequently affected regions of the spinal cord.

How is spinal stenosis treated?

Surgery Considerations

Those who have not experienced significant improvement from more conservative options may consider surgery. Some patients find spinal stenosis prevents them from participating in activities they enjoy or limits their ability to complete daily tasks. A lumbar laminectomy is the most common procedure. The success rate is an estimated 80% for this surgical option.

Lumbar Laminectomy

An open lumbar laminectomy, or decompression, is a procedure that requires a hospital stay of between one and four days. This may depend on the severity of the condition, how extensive the procedure is, the patient’s age, and other considerations. The process involves making an incision to access the troubled region of the spine.

The surgeon may relieve pressure by extracting bone, ligaments, and bone spurs. This allows increased space within the segments of the spine. The term laminoplasty refers to when the laminae are severed but not removed. When lacking stability, the surgeon may make a spinal fusion.

Minimally Invasive Decompression

Less invasive surgical options are an option that may allow patients to recover more rapidly. These involve smaller incisions and using scopes or imaging devices to assist with navigating the interior. This option is most appropriate for patients where the problem is concentrated in a smaller region of their spine.

Interspinous Process Devices

There are devices that can be implanted to create space and relieve spinal compression. Approval of this process occurred in 2005 and it is considered to be a minimally invasive option. Not all patients are good candidates for this method. Your medical provider will assist you when making this determination.

Rehabilitation

The majority of those who undergo a surgical procedure for spinal stenosis will be referred to physical therapy. Some of the goals of rehabilitation are to increase strength and flexibility. Often the strengthening of the abdominal muscles is successful in developing support for the back.

AZ Pain and Spine Institute
Spinal Stenosis Treatments

Here at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, we improve our patients’ quality of life by alleviating and managing their pain. Some of our Spinal Stenosis treatments include:

Radio Frequency Ablation
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections
Why Choose AZ Pain - Image

Why choose AZ Pain and Spine Institute to treat your Spinal Stenosis?

We have a team of medical practitioners, pain management doctors, and staff who are experts on pain management, including Spinal Stenosis. We use state-of-the-art technology and effective approaches in achieving our mission. We care about your well-being and are committed to making your life pain-free.

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