Spinal Stenosis
The term “stenosis” in Greek means “choking”, which relates to how spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. Usually, this condition occurs in two region of the spine namely: The lumbar region, or lower back, and cervical region, which includes the neck.
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis – This stenosis type is common and in this condition the spinal nerve roots in the lower back are compressed or pressured. As the lower back is involved in this condition the patient usually experience symptoms of sciatica that includes – tingling sensation as well as numbness and muscular weakness that trickles down to the buttocks and legs.
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis – This condition is a rare compared to stenosis in the lumbar region and and is far more dangerous. The reason why this condition is so dangerous is because it involves the compression of the actual spinal cord.
Minimally Invasive Back Operations that Treat Spinal Stenosis
With technology and science reaching new heights of progress each day, it is now possible to perform some extremely typical and complex spinal surgeries using minimally invasive techniques. Spinal stenosis is now treated through minimally invasive back operations that include:
- Laminotomy
- Foraminotomy
Both these procedures are specifically designed to help patients who are suffering from back pain to get respite from their symptoms. Both of these surgical procedures are aimed and designed in a way so that the narrowed or compressed area of the nerves is opened up by removing the excess bone and tissues.
Surgical Recovery
If stenosis is treated with the help of minimally invasive techniques, then the recovery time needed is much shorter in comparison to traditional surgery. A minimally invasive foraminotomy and laminotomy aims at achieving similar results to traditional techniques although with less postoperative pain, less bleeding, less muscle damage, shorter hospital stay as well as less healing and recovery time.
