There is a wide range of treatment that can be attempted to relieve symptoms caused by canal stenosis. Conservative methods, for example, are designed to help manage discomfort and increase spinal flexibility using low-impact methods like medication and exercise. Surgery for canal stenosis attempts to correct the narrowing of the spinal canal and related nerve compression at the source, but there are risks and difficulties that come with spine surgery.

If you’ve been diagnosed with canal stenosis as the source of your neck or back pain, it is natural to wonder what the best course of treatment is and if surgery will be required. By learning more about your condition and the specific options for treatment, you can make a more confident treatment decision.

Canal stenosis treatment options

Of the two broad categories of canal stenosis treatment, surgery is usually seen as a last resort. This is because conservative, or nonsurgical, treatment often provides the relief necessary for patients to enjoy a good quality of life. Here is an overview of nonsurgical and surgical treatments:

• Nonsurgical treatment. This can include a variety of techniques, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medication, hot/cold compresses and low-impact exercise. The goal of conservative treatment is to manage pain, improve mobility and increase the long-term health of the spine. In many instances, several weeks of conservative treatment can provide enough relief to help a patient avoid surgery.

• Surgical treatment. Canal stenosis surgery is typically reserved for patients who do not find the relief they require from conservative therapies. Depending on the patient’s diagnosis, surgery can be attempted several ways and is designed to make adjustments in the spinal anatomy to relieve nerve compression. However, traditional open spine surgery involves a large incision that disrupts supporting muscles, hospitalization that increases risk of complication and a long, often difficult recovery period.

Minimally invasive spine surgery

You should partner with your doctor to make the decision about whether surgery is right for you. If you are recommended for a procedure, but have concerns about undergoing a highly invasive traditional open spine surgery, reach out to USA Spine Care.

Our minimally invasive spine surgery is a safer and effective alternative to traditional procedures, offering our patients a lower risk of complication and a shorter recovery time.

Learn more by contacting our dedicated team today. We can help you receive a no-cost MRI review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery at USA Spine Care.