If you’ve been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, you’re well aware of the pain and dysfunction it can cause. By the time you visit a spine surgeon, you’ve likely tried nonsurgical approaches to managing it but haven’t gotten adequate relief.
Through his top-rated practice, The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, Dr. Thomas Jones II, is dedicated to finding effective solutions to relieve pain and restore function in patients dealing with conditions such as spinal stenosis. A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that could be a solution for you.
Nerves that communicate important information run along the spinal canal. When the space within the canal narrows, it can compress the nerves and put pressure on the spinal cord, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and chronic pain. Here are some fast facts to know:
You’re more likely to develop spinal stenosis as you age. It’s most common in people 60 and over. Nearly everyone has some spinal degeneration by age 50; however, injuries to the spine can accelerate spine aging and increase the risk of spinal stenosis in younger people.
Spinal stenosis is classified based on where in the spine it occurs. Narrowing that occurs in the neck area is called cervical stenosis; if it occurs in the lower back, it’s lumbar stenosis. Symptoms tend to differ depending on the affected part of the spine as well. For example, lumbar stenosis may cause pain, numbness, and tingling that travels down one or both legs.
When it hurts to bend or move, exercise is likely the last thing you may consider to get relief. However, getting your body moving can improve spinal stenosis symptoms. Certain stretches and movements can relieve pain. While exercise can’t cure spinal stenosis, a physical therapist can help you develop an exercise routine to help manage your symptoms.
Dr. Jones advocates for conservative treatment in most cases. For many patients, physical therapy and injections can help manage symptoms. While these aren’t long-term solutions, conservative treatment often keeps symptoms at bay for several years, delaying the need for surgical treatment.
A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part of the vertebra (the lamina) to create more space in the spinal canal. This relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. A laminectomy is highly effective at relieving pain, numbness, and muscle weakness.
Here are some factors that may make a laminectomy the best next step in managing your spinal stenosis:
If you've tried physical therapy, medications, and injections but still experience debilitating pain or limited mobility, surgery might be your best option.
If daily activities such as walking, standing, or even sitting have become difficult due to pain, and nonsurgical treatments no longer bring relief, it may be time to discuss surgery.
If your spinal stenosis has advanced to significant nerve damage or progressive symptoms like severe numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, surgery can prevent further deterioration.
Dr. Jones specializes in using minimally invasive techniques. This means smaller incisions, less damage to surrounding tissues, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Specialized instruments allow Dr. Jones to access the spine with precision, reducing the risk of complications.
You’re in extremely capable hands when you choose The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas as your partner in managing spinal stenosis. Contact us today in Pearland or Jackson, Texas, to schedule a consultation and get on the road to lasting relief.
