Spinal Stenosis Treatment and Diagnosis

In diagnosing spinal stenosis, we will ask for your complete medical history and conduct a physical examination to help determine which nerve roots are affected, and how seriously. Other diagnostic tools may include: an x-ray to see if there is evidence of disc or degenerative spine changes; imaging tests, such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography), to confirm which discs are injured; and electromyography, a test that measures nerve impulses to the muscles.

 

Nonsurgical Treatment

Most cases of lumbar stenosis are successfully treated with non-surgical techniques such as pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe pain may also be treated with corticosteroids that are injected into the lower back (i.e. epidural steroid injections). Depending on the extent of nerve involvement, some patients with lumbar stenosis may need to temporarily restrict their activities. However, most patients only need to rest for a brief time. Physical therapy exercises may also be prescribed to help strengthen and stabilize the spine as well build endurance and increase flexibility.

 

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be needed if nonsurgical options for spinal stenosis are not successful. The goal of surgery is to widen the spinal canal and relieve the pressure by removing the cause of compression. The most common type of surgery is a decompressive laminectomy, in which the part of the vertebra is removed, creating more space in the spinal canal for the nerves. If only a portion needs to be removed, it is called a laminotomy. If there are herniated or bulging discs, these may also be removed to increase canal space. This is called a discectomy. Sometimes the area where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal may also need to be enlarged. This procedure is called a foraminotomy.

For those patients who need surgical repair on more than one level, or who have significant spinal instability, spinal fusion may be required in addition to the decompression surgery. Harvested bone or bone substitutes are used to facilitate spine fusion. Spinal implants are used to support the spine and provide additional stability while the fusion is healing.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques are often used, resulting in speedier recoveries, lower risk, reduced pain, and less damage to healthy tissue.

 

« back

Home  |  Contact Us  |  Kids & Teens  |  Testimonials  |  Audio Testimonials  |  News  |  Sitemap

© 2011 Scoliosis & Spinal Surgery

Orthopedic surgeons specializing in complex back surgery for teens & adults, scoliosis treatment and sciatica treatment. Experts on scoliosis in children as well as adult scoliosis, spinal surgeons Dr. Taddonio and Dr. Sharma have experience with all spinal disorders including spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, kyphosis and degenerative disc disease. Non-surgical and minimally invasive spine surgery options are evaluated for each patient. Scoliosis & Spinal Surgery offices are located in White Plains, NY and Stamford, CT - Serving patients throughout Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut.