Spinal Stenosis Laser Surgery

If you exhibit the symptoms of spinal stenosis, the next step is to see a doctor to diagnose your ailment.  It is difficult to diagnose one with spinal stenosis with just a physical exam because the symptoms can be from other age-related or injury-related problems.  The most common way to test it is to take an MRI scan.  Other scans that can be used are X-rays and CT scans.  If you are indeed diagnosed with spinal stenosis, it is time to discuss treatment options.

Spinal Stenosis Laser Surgery?

The first course of action is usually not surgery.  Instead, a doctor will often suggest analgesics (pain killers).  Over the counter drugs with acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) can help relieve the pain.  If they are not enough, your doctor can prescribe stronger meds if necessary, such as Percocet or Vicodin.  Another way that does not involve medications is physical therapy.  A physical therapist will have you engage in exercises that will build up the strength and stability of the spine.  If neither of these treatments work, you may try steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pressure.  However, this is not a sustainable treatment option, because numerous steroid injections will weaken the bone and ligaments of the spine.

When to Consider Surgery

In severe cases, spinal stenosis laser surgery may be the best treatment option.  If the affected area is relatively tiny, spine surgery will be a minimally invasive, endoscopic procedure and will be cleared to leave the hospital in just a few hours after the operation.  It is a very precise surgery with a high success rate.  Read more about decompressive surgeries that can allay your spinal stenosis.