If you’ve been living with canal stenosis for an extended period of time, surgery may be on your mind — especially if conservative treatments haven’t been producing the results you were hoping for. Spine surgery is not always necessary, but for individuals who are still experiencing significant pain despite using traditional medications, participating in physical therapy and making all of the recommended lifestyle modifications, it may ultimately be an option worth considering.
When to schedule a surgical consultation
If you can identify with any of the following, you may wish to consult with an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon about canal stenosis surgery:
- Your pain has become gradually more severe throughout the last few weeks or months or has gradually stopped responding to treatments that used to be effective
- Your pain is making it difficult to work, go to school or participate in your favorite hobbies
- You’re experiencing depression, anxiety, feelings of isolation or other emotional concerns as a result of your diagnosis
- You’re experiencing neurological symptoms, either gradual (ongoing muscle weakness in your legs) or acute (sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, which may indicate the need for immediate canal stenosis surgery)
Of course, scheduling a consultation is only the first step, and you may ultimately decide that you wish to spend a bit more time managing your symptoms through nonsurgical means before moving forward with an operation. There’s no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” approach to canal stenosis treatment, and you’ll be able to make the best decision for your needs with the assistance of an experienced medical professional.
Things to discuss at your appointment
When you do consult with a surgeon about your various options, you’ll want to discuss the nonsurgical treatments that you’ve already tried, as well as your personal response to each of them. You’ll also want to talk about your current challenges and future goals so that your team can work to produce the results you’re looking for.
Lastly, you may even wish to ask your surgeon about minimally invasive forms of canal stenosis surgery, such as minimally invasive laminectomies or similar decompression procedures. Our procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. To find out if you’re a candidate for canal stenosis surgery at USA Spine Care, contact us today.
