When Is Surgery Recommended for Cervical or Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis—a narrowing of the spaces within your spine—can cause pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. It commonly affects the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back). For many patients, symptoms can be managed with non-surgical treatments, but surgery may become necessary when conservative care is no longer effective.

At IGEA Brain, Spine, Pain and Orthopedics, we carefully evaluate each patient to determine the best course of action.

What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?

Common symptoms include:

Neck or back pain
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
Difficulty walking or balancing
Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)

Symptoms may worsen over time and impact daily activities.

Non-Surgical Treatments: The First Step

Most patients start with conservative approaches, such as:

Medications to reduce pain and inflammation
Epidural steroid injections
Activity modification

These treatments can often provide relief and improve function.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

Surgery is generally considered when:

Symptoms persist or worsen despite months of conservative treatment
There is significant nerve compression causing weakness or loss of function
Walking and balance problems interfere with daily life
Severe pain limits quality of life
Signs of spinal cord compression or neurological decline appear

Surgical options aim to relieve pressure on nerves by widening the spinal canal and stabilizing the spine if needed.

Types of Surgery for Spinal Stenosis

Common procedures include:

Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra (the lamina) to decompress the spinal cord or nerves.
Foraminotomy: Enlarging the openings where nerve roots exit the spine.
Spinal fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine, often combined with decompression.

Your surgeon will recommend the procedure best suited to your condition.

Personalized Care at IGEA

Every patient’s spine and symptoms are unique. At IGEA Brain, Spine, Pain and Orthopedics, we offer comprehensive evaluations to tailor treatments—whether surgical or non-surgical—to your individual needs.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of spinal stenosis that aren’t improving, it may be time to explore surgical options.

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