Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants

Spinal Stenosis

What is Stenosis of the Spine?

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Spinal stenosis is a condition caused by a narrowing of the spinal column, which compresses the spinal cord. It affects between 8 and 11 percent of the U.S. population and is most common in those who are over the age of 50. If the narrowing is minimal, no symptoms will occur. However, too much narrowing can compress the nerves and cause significant pain and discomfort. This condition may result from a spinal injury, overuse of the neck and back, a genetic condition, arthritis, or another age-related degeneration.

Types of stenosis of the spine, its signs and symptoms

Many people with spinal stenosis may not experience any symptoms at first. However, once the condition worsens and begins to compress the spinal cord and/or nerve roots at any point along the spine, you may experience sciatica, numbness, or tingling in the extremities. Where you feel pain, as well as the type of pain, largely depends on which part of your spine is affected, such as:

  • Cervical (upper) stenosis of the spine
    Compression in the upper spine may cause localized pain in the neck. Cervical spinal stenosis may also cause radiating pain that travels along the affected nerve and extends through the shoulders arms, and hands.
  • Thoracic (middle) stenosis of the spine
    Compression in the middle spine may cause localized pain in the central back or torso.
  • Lumbar (lower) stenosis of the spine
    Compression in the lower spine may cause localized pain in the lower back. Lumbar spinal stenosis may also affect the sciatic nerve, which often causes radiating pain through the hips, legs and feet. [Or it can cause other nerves in the lumbar spine to be damaged that can cause problems with bowel and bladder incontinence and problems with (ataxia) and coordination.]

Stenosis of the spine and nerve damage

Compression of the nerve over time is a key factor in causing long-term harm and may be a permanent injury to the nerve. This permanent injury can be represented as numbness, tingling, weakness, difficulty with coordination and if left without treatment or intervention, can continue to get progressively worse. Typically an MRI and/or nerve tests like an EMG (electromyography) or NCV (nerve conduction velocity) may be helpful in determining the extent of nerve injury.

Although conservative care may help alleviate symptoms, the long-term damage caused by not intervening will, in the long run, cause progressive and permanent damage to the nerve. The purpose of surgery is to decompress the nerve and stop the decline of nerve damage.

Once nerve damage is identified, the sooner the intervention, the better the outcome.

Common causes of stenosis of the spine

While the most common cause of spinal stenosis is aging, there are other conditions that can cause it, including:

  • Arthritis
  • Overuse of the neck and back
  • Spine defects present at birth
  • A naturally narrow spinal cord
  • Spinal curvature or scoliosis

If you or a loved one is struggling with debilitating pain associated with stenosis of the spine, the expert physicians at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants can help get you back on your feet. We offer advanced, minimally invasive care and spinal treatment in San Antonio. Call 210-255-8935 to schedule an appointment.

What is the Recovery Time After Laminectomy?

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Laminectomy is commonly performed to treat lumbar (lower back) spinal stenosis caused by age, injury or tumors. When you have constant lower back pain and conventional treatments like medications or physical therapy don’t help, your doctor may recommend a laminectomy. This surgery relieves pressure on the spinal nerve roots by removing a thin layer of vertebral bone.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

If you’re experiencing the symptoms below, you may be suffering from spinal stenosis:

  • Prohibitive pain, numbness and weakness in the lower back, legs, thighs or buttocks
  • Pain that worsens with standing
  • Pain that worsens while exercising
  • Impaired bladder or bowel control

Laminectomy is one of the most common back surgeries and can improve spinal stenosis. During the procedure, one of the skilled neurosurgeons at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants removes the rear portion of one or more vertebrae, creating a bigger opening for the nerves and spinal cord. This will require a brief hospital stay of one to five days, depending on the scope of your surgery.

What is the typical laminectomy recovery time?

For a few days following surgery, you may experience pain and discomfort that requires medication. Like the hospital stay, laminectomy recovery times may also vary depending on the extent of the surgery as well as your personal situation.

After a mild laminectomy you may be able to return to light activity within a few days to a few weeks. However, if you required a spinal fusion with your laminectomy, recovery times will be considerably longer—anywhere between two to four months.

Laminectomy in San Antonio

If you’re suffering from pain and discomfort from spinal stenosis, the skilled neurosurgeons at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants can help relieve your back, neck or leg pain. Our advanced techniques and minimally invasive laminectomy in San Antonio aims to give you the fastest recovery times so you can get back to living your life without pain. For more information about our pain treatments, call 210-255-8935.