Getting Laser Surgery with Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal, through which the spinal cord passes, becomes narrower than usual. Although some cases of spinal stenosis can be asymptomatic, symptoms ranging form mild to severe can occur if the spinal cord or nerve roots can compressed. Examples of conditions that cause spinal stenosis include herniated discs, arthritis, bone spurs, and tumors.

The course of treatment for spinal stenosis depends based on:

• Location of the condition
  
• Severity of the condition
  
• Whether or not symptoms are progressive
  
• Whether or not you are experiencing neurological symptoms
  
• Cause of the issue 
• How it has responded to past treatments
  

Many cases of spinal stenosis can be treated using conservative methods such as physical therapy, medication, and chiropractic treatment. When these options are applicable, they are preferable because the risk of side effects, cost, and downtime are all lower.

If the condition cannot or has not responded to past treatments, then surgery may be necessary. Using laser surgery with spinal stenosis is often a good choice, depending on the condition. During laser spine surgery, a camera is used to view the spine and a laser probe is used to dissolve the tissue causing the stenosis, relieving symptoms. It is a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of side effects and a short recovery time. Most common spine conditions can be treated using this type of surgery.

Open spine surgery is a major surgery with a relatively high risk of side effects and long recovery time, but some conditions can only be treated using open spine surgery. For example, issues like spinal tumors, kyphosis, and scoliosis all require open spine surgery. However, minimally invasive surgery is preferable whenever available.

To schedule a consultation about whether laser surgery with spinal stenosis is right for you, please click below and enter your information or call (646) 374-1799.