Lumbar Canal Stenosis: When To Consider Surgery

A collage image of the Lumbar spine with parts labeled illustrates lumbar canal stenosis treatment.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: An Overview

The spinal cord, a cluster of nerves, traverses a tunnel created by your vertebrae, which is called the spinal canal. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition where the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back compresses the spinal cord, particularly the section of the nerves that travel to your muscles.

Generally, lumbar canal stenosis can occur in any part of the spine. However, it is most common in the lumbar area or the lower back. Lumbar canal stenosis is a condition where certain age-related changes will decrease the space available for the nerves in the spinal canal and suffocate them. When symptoms are progressive or severe, it necessitates surgical decompression.

Surgery for lumbar canal stenosis is more common among those with a poor quality of life due to pain and weakness. It inhibits their ability to walk for extended periods of time. If you are seeking long-lasting relief through holistic treatments or minimally invasive surgeries, Spine 360, a leading spine specialist hospital in Bangalore, offers lumbar canal stenosis treatment.

When You May Need Surgery for Lumbar Canal Stenosis

Our best doctor for spinal stenosis at Spine 360 may suggest lumbar canal stenosis surgery if you:

Experience unbearable pain and discomfort that impacts your quality of life.

Are unable to freely engage in your daily activities.

Have difficulty in maintaining your gait.

Experience loss of bowel and bladder control.

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Spine 360: Our Surgeries For Lumbar Canal Stenosis

Our experienced doctors at Spine 360 will carefully select the most suitable surgical treatment from the following options to effectively address your spinal canal stenosis.

Minimally Invasive Decompression
(Tube-Assisted)

This minimally invasive approach is performed with tubular dilators and an endoscope or microscope to remove the bone and tissues compressing the nerves. The more popular decompressive procedures include Laminectomy and Foraminotomy.

Endoscopic Foraminoplasty

Foraminotomy is a surgical procedure to create more space within the vertebrae to allow for the branching of nerve roots to the rest of your body.

Conventional (open) Laminectomy

Laminectomy is the most preferred method to treat spinal stenosis. Here, our surgeons will remove the lamina along with bone spurs and ligaments to relieve the pain caused by nerve compression.

Minimally Invasive Fusion Procedure
(MIS-TLIF)

Our doctors may suggest this minimally invasive procedure if you are experiencing radicular pain and refractory mechanical lower back pain associated with degenerative disc diseases, recurrent disc herniation, or Spondylolisthesis. Two small incisions are made on the back, after which rods and screws are placed between two vertebral levels. The intervertebral disc is extracted, and a cage packed with bone is inserted into the vacant space to stabilize the area.

Guidelines for Pre-Surgical Care

What to Expect During Lumbar Laminectomy

Guidelines for Post-Surgical Care

In order to ensure the successful outcome of your spinal canal stenosis surgery and promote a speedy recovery, it is crucial to adhere to your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions, such as:

Quitting smoking and alcohol intake
Engaging in regular physical exercise (Only on advice from your doctor)
Avoiding non-essential medication or supplements that may cause adverse reactions with the anesthesia.
Clarifying any doubts about the surgery and its outcome with your surgeon before you opt for it.

If non-surgical methods fail to alleviate pain caused by lumbar stenosis, Lumbar Laminectomy may be necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Here’s an approximation of what to expect during the procedure:

A small incision is made close to the lumbar vertebrae to expose the underlying bone and muscles.
The lamina is extricated to relieve pressure off your spinal cord and nerves running near it.
Sometimes, our surgeons may remove the lamina from multiple vertebrae and fuse the vertebrae together with another bone.
In certain situations, it is possible to alleviate pressure by simply creating a hole in the lamina instead of completely removing it. This medical procedure is known as lumbar laminotomy.
Lumbar Laminectomy and Lumbar Laminotomy are minimally invasive procedures that require a short recovery period.
You may be hospitalized for a day or two or for four or five days if you have had a spinal fusion procedure.

Post-surgical care is as important as pre-surgical care to ensure complete healing, quicker recovery and full range of motion.

You may require additional rehabilitation.
Our doctors may recommend a corset or brace for your convenience.
You may resume walking with or without assistance on advice from your doctors.
Engage in the physical exercise routine suggested by our physiotherapist. This will help alleviate swelling and stiffness in your back while enhancing strength and stability in your spine.
To alleviate any discomfort post-surgery, you may resort to ice packs, hot compresses, and hot showers.

Know More About Lumbar Canal Stenosis Treatment

1. What are some exercises to avoid when suffering from lumbar stenosis?

Avoid stretching forward and touching your toes or the floor. Such exercises will pressurize your lumbar disc and worsen the condition. We also suggest avoiding any activity that involves leaning backwards since it may narrow the spinal canal.

2. What is the expected duration of recovery after spinal stenosis surgery?

Generally, the duration of recovery is approximately three months. However, it may take longer if you have undergone a spinal fusion. The recovery period also depends on the surgical complexity and your rehabilitation progress.

3. What are the available surgical interventions for spinal stenosis?

Surgery options involve excising segments of bone, osseous protrusions on facet joints or herniated disks that are compressing the spinal canal and impinging on spinal nerves.

4. Who will require lumbar canal stenosis surgery?

Our doctors may suggest this treatment if you have:

Nagging pain and discomfort
Difficulty in standing, walking, or doing your daily activities
Loss of bowel or bladder control
Pain, despite all other non-surgical treatments
Good health to withstand the surgery and recover quickly

Looking for Holistic Spinal Care?

Consult with the spine and ortho specialists at Spine 360, Bangalore. Say goodbye to pain with the best lumbar canal stenosis treatment.

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Surgery for Lumbar Canal Stenosis

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: An Overview

When You May Need Surgery for Lumbar Canal Stenosis

Spine 360: Our Surgeries For Lumbar Canal Stenosis

Know More About Lumbar Canal Stenosis Treatment

Looking for Holistic Spinal Care?

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