Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is described as a situation in which narrowing of the spinal canal occurs. This is caused by excessive bone growth, thickening of tissue in the canal, a herniated discA condition in which a disk, that is supposed to cushion the bones in the spine, presses on the nerves around the backbone. or all three of them together.

A Decompressive laminectomy is a spinal cord operation in which portions of the vertebral bone (the bones protecting the spinal cord from the back) called 'Lamina', are removed. This is the most common type of surgery to treat Spinal stenosis.

This type of surgery is performed in order to relieve pressure and pain from ones spinal cord and allow the patient to return to their daily routine. Decompressive Laminectomy has been proven as the most effective treatment for severe spinal stenosis.

Laminectomy Video

Spinal Stenosis Symptoms

Spinal Stenosis manifests usually in the lower back area and can cause pain, numbness feeling or weakness in different parts of the body such as your legs, feet or buttocks. Some may just feel low back pain. The symptoms will get worse when the back is stretched, for example when people are walking, standing straight or leaning backwards and there will be a relief from the symptoms when sitting or leaning forward.

Spinal stenosis symptoms can be treated in a few ways; among them are pain medication, physical therapy, special exercises and steroid injections. If the symptoms become too severe or the pain is affecting your normal daily functioning, then surgery will be considered.

Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Spinal Decompression surgery can be performed anywhere along the spine. During the operation, the surgeon can remove a part or the whole lamina and other tissue which gives more room for the nerves and relieves the pain.

There are several different types of this surgery:
Laminectomy - The complete removal of the lamina, a portion of facet joints, and the thickened ligaments near the nerves. This is the most extensive operation done for this kind of diagnosis.
Laminotomy - The removal of a small portion of the lamina and ligaments. This is naturally done for less severe cases of spinal stenosis.
Spinal Fusion –This procedure can be done in addition to the previous two. In a spinal fusion the surgeon will create a connection between two separate vertebrae bones. He can use a bone that is taken from elsewhere in your body or he can use bone graft, screws, and rods – and the bone will grow together naturally. The fusion helps eliminate pain and prevents from the spinal stenosis from recurring.

During the surgery, an incision is made down the middle of the back over the correct location. Once, the back muscles are split and moved to either side exposing the lamina of each vertebra, the surgeon can begin removing the lamina, the tissue, bone spurs and facet joints spurs, whatever is needed. At this point, if it was determined prior to the procedure, the 'Spinal Fusion' process will be performed on the vertebrae. Once the surgeon is done, the bone and skin will be sewn together and the surgery is done.

Spinal Stenosis Surgery Recovery

The patient will remain in the hospital for a few days after the surgery, mainly to be monitored and manage the pain. Upon release you will receive pain medication as well as detailed instructions from your physician and you will probably have to wear a brace for the first few weeks.

You will need help with your daily routine for the first few weeks as you will gradually feel better and return to you normal life.

Spinal Stenosis Surgery Abroad

When diagnosed with a back situation that requires surgery, you want to treat it as soon as possible in order to return to your old self again. TicketMed will be happy to guide you through your personal process of seeking spinal stenosis treatment abroad. Contact us or ask for a quote to begin your healing process.