The risks and benefits of surgery for spinal stenosis vary widely. The results of surgery depend on the severity of spinal stenosis, the location of the stenosis, the surgeon’s skills and experience, and the patient’s commitment to the recovery process. If you are facing a difficult situation, discuss your treatment options with your health care provider. You may need a few weeks of physical therapy after your surgery, and your recovery from surgery is likely to depend on the condition and your general health.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can be elusive. Some sufferers may experience pain, numbness, or tingling for years without any signs of discomfort. Other symptoms may be more obvious, including a decreased ability to move, weakness, or loss of coordination. Conservative treatments such as ice and heat, physical therapy, or physiotherapy may help temporarily relieve symptoms and prevent spinal stenosis from worsening. However, these treatments may not be enough to relieve the pain and disability caused by spinal stenosis, and surgery may be necessary.
After spinal stenosis surgery, most patients experience good results. Eighty to ninety percent of patients experience pain relief after the procedure. However, despite the risks, surgery for spinal stenosis can be risky. Despite the risks and benefits, surgical procedures for spinal stenosis are rarely without side effects. And despite the risks and benefits, you should discuss the risks and benefits of spinal stenosis with your doctor before undergoing a surgical procedure.
If your symptoms become so severe that you cannot function independently or maintain your balance, spinal stenosis surgery may be an option. The surgery removes bone growths that cause pressure on the spinal cord and may even relieve sexual problems. In some cases, this procedure is not necessary, however, if your symptoms are reversible. You can have spinal stenosis surgery to relieve these symptoms and avoid the risks of other treatment methods.
After spinal stenosis surgery, you can expect to be out of bed within a few days. You will be prescribed pain medications for two to four weeks and will need to follow instructions for walking and standing. During this time, you should avoid strenuous activities like lifting or bending, and you should be vigilant about pain as it will make your recovery more difficult. The recovery process for spinal stenosis isn’t instantaneous, so you can expect a few days of physical therapy to help you regain mobility.
After spinal stenosis surgery, patients may be eligible for another procedure called fusion. This procedure permanently joins two vertebrae. A laminectomy is usually performed before spinal fusion surgery, where a surgeon removes a vertebra and stimulates the formation of new bone. The vertebrae are held together by rods, screws, or wires. A fusion allows a person to return to normal activities sooner.
Another option for spinal stenosis is surgery. In this case, a surgeon will remove a portion of the spinal column to relieve pressure on the nerve roots. A decompression surgery, also known as PILD, uses a thin incision and does not require a general anesthesia or stitches. After the surgery, postoperative care will follow the operating hospital’s standards. If the pain persists, further surgery is recommended.
