Spinal stenosis surgery is generally the last resort. Your doctor will try to exhaust as many non-surgical options as possible before recommending spinal stenosis back surgery. There are a few different types of spinal stenosis surgery options available to you.
Are you a Spinal Stenosis Surgery Candidate?
You will have to meet a number of requirements before you are considered for this type of treatment. A doctor will generally only recommend surgery if you meet the following conditions:
- You have been in severe pain for a long time.
- You have weakness or numbness in your arms or legs, also called radiculopathy.
- You have difficulty walking or standing.
- You have lost bowel or bladder control.
- Medication and physical therapy are not effective for you.
- You are in reasonably good health.
- Your leg pain or back pain limits normal activity, which can lower your quality of life.
If after you have been evaluated and you meet the above conditions, your doctor may suggest a surgical approach.
Types of Spinal Stenosis Surgery
There are three major categories for this condition. Some are riskier than others. The three main categories you can consider are:
- Traditional open-back surgery
- Stabilization surgery
- Laser surgery
Traditional open back surgery is not the most commonly performed surgery for this problem because of the risks involved and the long term recovery period. Traditional open back surgery involves removing the bone, disc material, or tissue that is pressing on the nerves. These surgeries can further be defined as discectomies (damaged disc is removed) or laminectomies (thin, bony plate of the vertebral arch is removed).
Stabilization surgery is also known as a spinal fusion. This involves using rods or screws to hold the vertebrae together to increase support for the spine by stopping movement between the vertebrae. It has been known to be effective for people who have one or more vertebrae that have slipped out of the correct position. The bones can slip and can cause pinched nerves. A spinal fusion will help to stabilize your spine. Although this treatment can be effective, it can also cause new pain problems. Infection is a risk for this type of surgery.
Laser surgery is one of the most popular recommended surgeries for this condition. This is because it is a minimally invasive procedure. It involves relieving pressure on the spinal nerves through laser assisted endoscopic procedures. It has far less recovery time than the other two options, has less risk of infection, and the incisions are much smaller. This can also be done in an outpatient setting.
Risks for Spinal Stenosis Surgery
The risks involved depend on the type of surgery you decide to have. You will learn the specific potential risks from your doctor; however, the following are just a few common complications:
- Risks with general anesthesia
- Spinal cord or nerves injury
- Bony fusion will not heal
- You do not improve
- Instrument can break
- Infection
- Graft site pain
Spinal Stenosis Surgery Recovery
After surgery, you will have to go through a recovery period. You will be able to get up and about within 24 hours. You will be on pain medications for 2 to 4 weeks. You will need to make sure you know how to sit, rise, and stand properly. Make sure you give yourself time to heal. Your doctor will likely recommend that you restrict any activities that move your spine too much. Avoid any contact sports, any twisting, or heavy lifting during this recovery period.
Once you are up for some exercise, try to fit in low impact aerobics. However, never start a new exercise routine until you talk with your doctor. Spinal stenosis back surgery can be an effective treatment, especially if no other options are effective.
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