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Alternatives to traditional fusion for spinal stenosis treatment

There are several treatment options available for people who suffer from spinal stenosis, or narrowing, to find relief from chronic pain. The first step in the treatment process is to try conservative methods to relieve the pain and improve strength and mobility in your spine. Conservative treatment methods for spinal stenosis include chiropractic care, physical therapy, pain medication, and epidural injections.

If after several weeks or months you have not found any lasting pain relief from conservative treatments, you should consult with your doctor about the surgical options available to treat spinal stenosis. Many patients with severe spine conditions, including spinal stenosis, are recommended to undergo a highly invasive traditional open spine fusion.

At USA Spine Care, we offer an outpatient alternative to traditional fusions with our minimally invasive stabilization surgery. We hope the following information can help you be more educated about the treatment options available to you. You can also feel free to contact our caring and dedicated team at any time for more information.

Surgical treatment for spinal stenosis

There are two primary types of surgical procedures we offer to treat spinal stenosis: minimally invasive decompression surgery and minimally invasive stabilization surgery. Many cases of less severe spinal stenosis can be treated with one of our minimally invasive decompression surgeries. However, in cases of spinal stenosis that are jeopardizing the stability of the spinal column, you may be recommended for a minimally invasive stabilization procedure.

During one of these outpatient procedures, the surgeon will make a small incision, about an inch in length, to access the spine. Instead of cutting through the surrounding muscles and small tissues to reach the spine, as is common in traditional open back fusion surgery, our board-certified surgeons+ use muscle-sparing techniques. Once the surgeon reaches the spine, the displaced spinal anatomy that is causing spinal narrowing and instability will be removed. An implant will be inserted to stabilize the spine.

Types of minimally invasive stabilization surgery for spinal stenosis

Two of the most common types of minimally invasive stabilization surgery we offer are Decompression with Interlaminar Stabilization® Device and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. These procedures specialize in decompressing the affected nerve, stabilizing the spine, and helping to prevent future instances of spinal stenosis. For more information about the minimally invasive stabilization procedures we offer to treat spinal stenosis, reach out to us today.

We can help determine if you are a potential candidate for our procedures with a no-cost MRI or CT scan review.*

Learn more today

If you're living with spinal stenosis in the upper spine and searching for relief, reach out to USA Spine Care for help. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to helping people develop the right care plan to  reach treatment goals and achieve lasting relief.

Contact us today to learn more. Call toll free 1-866-249-1627.

Spinal Stenosis "Quick Answers"

Depending on the region and severity Spinal stenosis feels like tingling, burning and/or weakness in the hands, arms, neck, lower back or legs. It may also feel like a radiating pain or shooting shock-like pain. Read more in the links below: Spinal Stenosis Spinal Stenosis Overview Defining Spinal Stenosis Researching Spinal Stenosis Learning About Back Stenosis Spinal Stenosis Pathophysiology
The types of spinal stenosis are region based and consist of cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back) and lumbar or lower back. In addition, foraminal stenosis is the narrowing of the foramen. Read more in the links below: Spinal Stenosis of the Neck Cervical Stenosis - Basic Facts Neck Stenosis Causes Neck Stenosis Treatment Central Canal Stenosis Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Spinal Stenosis in the Back
Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition, most often located in the Lumbar spine, may be caused by degeneration of the spine, wear and tear, sports injury, & collapsing discs. Read more in the links below. What Causes Spinal Stenosis? Obesity May Lead to a Stenosis Diagnosis Age and its Role in the Development of Spinal Stenosis Spinal Stenosis Causes Identifying Common Causes From Birth Defects to Getting Older Degenerative Conditions Car Accident Injuries
The symptoms of spinal stenosis include tingling or numbness in the extremities, pain and weakness in the neck, back and/or legs. In severe cases bladder, bowel dysfunction/continence. Learn more in the links below: What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis? Spinal Stenosis Symptoms Spinal Stenosis Diagnosis What Should I Do If I Think I Have Spinal Stenosis? Spinal Stenosis and Hand Pain Recognizing Spinal Stenosis Have You Been Diagnosed? About Your Diagnosis Diagnostic Process Helping Your Physician How a Diagnosis Is Made Arriving at a Diagnosis
Physician specialties that treat spinal stenosis include: Pain management & rehabilitation physicians, spine surgeons, orthopedic specialists & neurosurgeons. Read more about these specialties in the links below: Doctors Who Treat Spinal Stenosis Spinal Decompression Doctors
Patients can expect recovery to last 4-6 weeks in most cases (depending on the complexity of your condition). People who choose minimally invasive spine surgery recover faster and get back to work sooner than those who choose open back surgery. Read more in the links below: Recovery After a Procedure What to Expect Recovery Times

  • Problems from anesthesia.
  • A deep infection in the surgical wound.
  • A skin infection.
  • Blood clots.
  • Nerve injury, including weakness, numbness, or paralysis.
  • Tears in the fibrous tissue that covers the spinal cord and the nerve near the spinal cord. These tears may require more surgery.
  • Trouble passing urine, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
  • Long-term (chronic) pain, which happens after surgery in some cases.
  • The chance that the surgery won't relieve your symptoms. And even if you get better with surgery, there is a chance that you may get new symptoms in the future.
  • Death from problems caused by surgery, but this is rare.

Read more in the links below: Overview of Risk Factors Most Common Risk Factors Obesity & Spinal Stenosis Spinal Stenosis & Arthritis Treating Elderly Patients

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