spinal stenosis

[sarahwatt]

Non-surgical Treatment of Stenosis

Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain, and analgesics to relieve pain.

Corticosteroid injections in the epidural space (so-called "epidural steroid injections, ESI") to reduce swelling and treat acute pain that radiates to the hips or down the leg.

Pain relief from an epidural injection may be temporary and patients are usually advised to get no more than 3 injections per 6-month period.

Rest or restricted activity.

Physical therapy and/or exercises to help stabilize the spine, build endurance and increase flexibility.

While some patients obtain relief from symptoms with these treatments, others do not.

Surgical Options
Decompression
The most common surgical procedure for stenosis is a decompressive laminectomy sometimes accompanied by fusion.
Often referred to as “unroofing” the spine, this procedure involves the removal of various parts of the vertebrae, including:
the lamina, as well as the attached ligaments, that cause compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots, and/or

enlarged facets, osteophytes and bulging disc material

The goal of the surgery is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves by increasing the area of the spinal canal and neural foramen.

Other types of surgery include-
Laminotomy - only a small portion of the lamina is removed to relieve local pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Foraminotomy - the foramen (the opening through which the nerve roots exit the spinal canal) is enlarged to increase space for the nerves. This surgery can be done alone or with a laminotomy.
Facetectomy - part of the facet joint is removed to increase space for the nerves.



There is a new surgical approach called the "X-stop". The X STOP is a titanium metal implant designed to fit between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in your lower back. It is designed to remain safely and permanently in place without attaching to the bone or ligaments. If you want to look at more about this, see X-STOP(R) IPD(R) System

Hope you found that helpful.