If your physician has advised you to undergo a spinal stenosis procedure to decompress a neural structure in your neck or back, there a few options you should consider before consenting to any operation. This article will explore some of these options, but keep in mind that you should consult with your physician for more individualized advice.

Understanding the Condition

Simply defined, spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which is the space through which the spinal cord traverses. The condition can have many different causes, chief among them degenerative changes to the spine that accompany the natural aging process. Various spinal components can become inflamed, dislocated, or otherwise damaged. In turn, portions of these damaged components can invade the spinal canal and cause a narrowing of the space that houses the spinal cord. If a spinal nerve, nerve root, or even the spinal cord itself becomes compressed, patients can experience localized pain, as well as radiating muscle weakness, tingling, and numbness in the limbs.

Understanding the Procedure

The primary goal of a spinal stenosis procedure is to decompress the affected neural structure. During a traditional open spine surgery, this is accomplished by first making a very large incision in the neck or back. The surgeon is then required to either dissect or detach muscle to gain access to the spine. Once the affected spinal segment is identified, the surgeon attempts to correct the issue that has caused the spinal canal to narrow. If the condition has been caused by a herniated or bulging disc, for instance, the surgeon may remove the disc in its entirety. An intervertebral cage will be placed in the now empty disc space and filled with bone graft material, and surgical hardware will be used to attach the cage and the two adjacent vertebrae together. Over time, the bone graft will fuse the spinal segment together, leaving the patient with little (or no) range of motion in that portion of their neck or back. Rehabilitation can be long and arduous, and patients are often required to spend several nights in the hospital.

Minimally Invasive Alternatives

Some patients may be candidates for a minimally invasive spinal stenosis procedure in lieu of a traditional open neck or back operation. These procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and require an incision that is usually less than one inch long. The surgeon feeds a series of tubes through the incision to gradually push musculature and other soft tissues aside. Surgical tools and a small camera are then inserted into the tube, and the affected neural structure is decompressed. Continuing with the example of a herniated or bulging disc, a surgeon would address this type of issue by using a laser to remove the portion of the disc that has invaded the spinal canal. Patients can return home the day of the procedure and most individuals can resume daily activities within a few weeks.

Consult with your physician if you’re interested in finding out whether you’re a candidate for a minimally invasive spinal stenosis procedure as an alternative to open neck or back surgery.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute offers a safe and effective outpatient spinal stenosis procedure.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute offers a safe and effective outpatient spinal stenosis procedure. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/spinal_stenosis/treatment/procedure/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute offers a safe and effective outpatient spinal stenosis procedure.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: spinal stenosis procedure