Canal stenosis surgery isn’t necessary for all patients with this condition. However, if you have been recently diagnosed with canal stenosis, you are probably wondering whether surgery will be required to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life. The truth is, every person is different, and there is no single indicator that surgery is necessary. In fact, canal stenosis surgery is generally elective, meaning that the patient, with the help of his or her physician and family, decides whether or not surgery is the best option to relieve his or her pain.
Many patients are able to manage their canal stenosis symptoms with the use of conservative treatments like pain medication and physical therapy. That being said, there are some general signs that surgery may be the right option for you. For example, you may elect to have canal stenosis surgery if:
- Your pain and other symptoms persist after several weeks or months of nonsurgical treatment
- Your symptoms are so severe that they affect your quality of life and disrupt your daily routine
- You are experiencing severe symptoms like paralysis, severe numbness in the extremities or a loss of bowel or bladder function
You should never let a physician pressure you into undergoing canal stenosis surgery. Before consenting to any procedure, you should be sure to ask questions about the surgery you will be having and the surgeon who will be performing it. You should also be sure that you are comfortable with your surgical plan and understand all the risks associated with your procedure.
Where can I get canal stenosis surgery?
If you decide to undergo canal stenosis surgery, contact USA Spine Care to learn about our minimally invasive outpatient surgeries. Performed through a less than 1-inch incision, our procedures provide patients with shorter recovery periods and less risk of infection than what is typical of traditional open spine procedures.^ We will gladly provide you with a free review* of your MRI to determine if you are a candidate.
