Treatment Options

The purpose of surgery is to relieve pain caused by pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This can be done by removing, trimming, or adjusting the diseased parts that are causing the pressure or loss of alignment. Although “fusion” will help keep the spine stable, it may also limit a patient’s natural range of motion.

You should consult your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of Spinal Stenosis. Your doctor may recommend treatment options including rest, physical therapy, or medications to treat your pain. If these conservative treatments do not work, your doctor may recommend surgery.

• Non-Surgical Treatment:
  Initial treatment for Spinal Stenosis involves avoiding movements that cause pain, often in conjunction with a course of anti-inflammatory medications. Patients may also undergo physical therapy to improve the strength of supporting muscles. Some patients may receive steroid injections. When these approaches do not adequately relieve pain symptoms, surgery is often considered.
• Surgical Treatment:
  The purpose of surgery is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and restore and maintain alignment and strengthen the spine. This can be done by removing or trimming, or adjusting diseased part that are causing the pressure or loss of alignment. Often a significant amount of bone must be removed, which can lead to instability. For this reason, surgeons may “fuse” two or more vertebrae together. Although “fusion” will help keep the spine stable, it may also hinder a patient’s natural range of motion.