The spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower part of the spine. This narrowing puts pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves. Although some patients are born with this narrowing, most cases of spinal stenosis occur in patients over 50 years old and are a consequence of ageing and wear and tear of the spine.
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
Many patients with spinal stenosis remain without symptoms until other conditions cause further compression of the spinal canal. Other disorders that can cause nerve compression include the following:
• Calcification (the ligaments of the spine thicken and harden).
• Formation of osteophytes (bony growths in bones and joints).
• Herniated disc protrusion.
• Slipping of one vertebra on top of another (called spondylolisthesis).
• Trauma (for example, due to an accident).
Symptoms of a spinal stenosis include:
• Lower back pain that subsides when bending forward or sitting down.
• Pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs, calves, or buttocks.
• Burning, tingling, and stinging sensations in the affected leg.
• Bladder and intestinal problems (in severe cases).
• Although rare, very severe cases can also cause significant loss of function or even paraplegia.
Non-surgical treatment
Most cases of spinal stenosis are successfully treated with non-surgical techniques, such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Severe pain can also be treated with corticosteroids that are injected into the lower back (epidural steroid injections). Physical therapy exercises are also prescribed to help strengthen and stabilize the spine, as well as to increase endurance and flexibility.
If these non-surgical measures don’t work, we may recommend surgery.
Surgical treatment
The most common surgery for spinal stenosis is known as a decompressive laminectomy, and it involves removing the lamina (roof) of the vertebra, which increases the space for nerves in the spinal canal. If only part of the lamina needs to be removed, it is known as a laminotomy. If there are herniated discs or bulging discs, they may also be removed (called a discectomy) to increase the space. Sometimes it is also necessary to enlarge the foramen (the area where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal). This procedure is known as a foraminotomy.
Patients who need a surgical repair on more than one level, or who have significant spinal instability, may require spinal fusion in addition to decompressive surgery.
At the London Spine Unit we specialise in the treatment of this condition. Using specialist equipment and anaesthetic techniques, our world leading experts use advanced techniques that avoid the removal of too much bone and treat spinal stenosis using innovative surgical techniques. Our patients usually go home on the same day after surgery ie walk in and walk out same day surgery.
You might also want to read: Dynamic Spine Stabilisation Surgery
Surgical treatment of spinal stenosis
Day Case Complex Spine Surgery
About day case surgery
At Harley Street Hospital, we offer day case spinal stenosis surgery performed by a highly qualified team of surgeons. This provides patients with multiple benefits, such as the following:
-Shorter hospital stays. Due to this and to preventive measures, lower risk of contracting COVID-19.
-We apply local anaesthesia, avoiding general anaesthesia and its complications.
-Lower infection rates.
-Fewer post-surgery complications.
-Cheaper than surgery requiring an overnight stay.
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What is spinal stenosis?
The spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower part of the spine. This narrowing puts pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves.
What is the non-surgical treatment of spinal stenosis?
Most cases of spinal stenosis are successfully treated with non-surgical techniques, such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Severe pain can also be treated with corticosteroids that are injected into the lower back (that is, epidural steroid injections). Physical therapy exercises are also prescribed.
What is the surgical treatment of spinal stenosis?
The most common surgery for spinal stenosis is known as a decompressive laminectomy, and it involves removing the lamina (roof) of the vertebra, which increases the space for nerves in the spinal canal. If only part of the lamina needs to be removed, it is known as a laminectomy. If there are herniated discs or bulging discs, they may also be removed (called a discectomy) to increase the space. Sometimes it is also necessary to enlarge the foramen (the area where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal).