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Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces inside your spinal canal start shrinking. This leaves less room for the delicate nerves housed there, and it can lead to pain, pressure, and other intrusive symptoms.
Spinal stenosis is the most common reason patients 65 and older have spinal surgery. At Advanced Neurosurgery, our minimally invasive surgery specialists offer state-of-the-art approaches to relieving pain and getting our patients back to their daily routines.
When does spinal stenosis require treatment?
Most cases of spinal stenosis affect the lumbar spine in the lower back, but less commonly, it can also affect the cervical spine in the neck. Thoracic spinal stenosis, in the middle of the back, is very rare.
Degenerative changes within the spine, such as spinal stenosis, are quite common and increase with age. 95% of Americans experience such changes by age 50.
About 80% of people who have spinal stenosis on X-rays don’t experience symptoms. That means many people might not need treatment.
But, what happens if you have frustrating ongoing issues like pain, tingling, or weakness? That’s when you might want to explore the treatment options that can give you long-term relief.
Effective treatments for spinal stenosis
At Advanced Neurosurgery in Carson City and Reno, Nevada, we believe in honest communication and working hand-in-hand with our patients, so we take the time to explain your options and support you in choosing the best path.
Treatment for spinal stenosis varies based on the severity of symptoms and the impact on your life. Some patients find relief through nonsurgical options, including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections.
Physical therapy can strengthen the muscles around your spine to help reduce pressure on the nerves. Steroid injections can also provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation around affected nerves.
But, when nonsurgical treatments aren’t enough, minimally invasive spine surgery may offer relief. At Advanced Neurosurgery, we specialize in advanced techniques designed to relieve pressure on the spine without extensive surgery.
These procedures typically involve smaller incisions, less pain, and shorter recovery times than traditional open surgery. Our team will work with you to determine if a minimally invasive approach is right for you, ensuring a treatment plan that respects your preferences and lifestyle.
One common approach for spinal stenosis is laminectomy, which involves your surgeon removing a part of your spinal vertebra and creating extra space in your spinal canal. This eases pressure on your nerves and relieves spinal stenosis symptoms.
Our team designs a customized spine surgery plan for your spinal stenosis, focusing on long-term relief, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life.
Discuss your spinal stenosis treatment options
If spinal stenosis is affecting your life, don’t wait to seek help. Call Advanced Neurosurgery at 775-312-8120 to schedule an appointment with our experts today. We have locations in Reno and Carson City, Nevada.