Degenerative Spinal Stenosis Can be Treated in a Number of Ways

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Degenerative Spinal Stenosis Can be Treated in a Number of Ways

Degenerative spinal stenosis is a condition that can develop over time and leave you suffering from back or neck pain. It occurs as the body ages and wear and tear on the spine begins to damage the tissues. For instance, bone spurs develop, intervertebral discs thin and become herniated, and osteoarthritis presents in the vertebral joints. Sometimes these conditions occur and they cause no symptoms. However, if a herniated disc, bone spur, or inflamed tissue extends into the spinal canal, it narrows the space and can cause nerve compression, which can lead to a variety of painful symptoms. This narrowing of the spinal canal is called stenosis.

As a degenerative condition, spinal stenosis often develops gradually and slowly constricts the spine or a nerve root as it branches off the spinal cord. As a result of this nerve compression, a number of symptoms can present, depending on the specific nerve that is affected. Degenerative spinal stenosis in the lower back, for example, can cause chronic lower back pain, but can also lead to muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling in the buttocks, legs, and feet.

Patients suffering from degenerative spinal stenosis generally have three treatment options:

Conservative treatment—anti-inflammatory medication, heat therapy, back stretching and strengthening, and restricted activity can help manage the pain caused by nerve compression. However, conservative treatment rarely treats the cause of the stenosis, so relief is typically temporary.
Open-back or -neck surgery—patients who don’t respond to conservative treatment may undergo open-spine surgery to alleviate the nerve compression. These massively invasive operations are time consuming, not always effective, and require lengthy recovery and rehabilitation.
Endoscopic spine procedures—as an alternative to open-spine surgery, endoscopic spine procedures have become an increasingly popular treatment for spinal stenosis. These outpatient procedures decompress the nerve without the hospitalization, recuperation, and risk associated with major operations.

As the worldwide leader in endoscopic spine procedures, Laser Spine Institute (LSI) utilizes the latest minimally invasive techniques for relieving pain. We’ve helped thousands rediscover a life without pain and can help treat your degenerative spinal stenosis as well. To learn more about our services, request a free review of your MRI or CT scan, or schedule a consultation, contact LSI today.

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