Spinal Stenosis Treatment
The treatment for spinal stenosis will be determined according to the patient’s symptoms and as well as the location of the stenosis. The surgeon will explain all aspects of the procedure to the patient during the initial consultation.
Dependable board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan of Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI) provides orthopedic surgery and other procedures to patients in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities in The Golden State.
Medications
The surgeon may prescribe the following drugs depending on the symptoms:
- Opioids
- Anti-seizure medication
- Pain relievers
- Anti-depressants
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist’s services may be utilized to train the patient in exercises that can assist in:
- Building strength and endurance
- Maintaining the stability and flexibility of the spine
- Improving balance
Steroid Injections
The patient’s nerve root may become inflamed and irritated in the areas that are being pinched. Injecting a steroid medication, known as corticosteroid, into the area around the affected location will not heal the stenosis. However, it helps in reducing pain and inflammation at the site of the stenosis.
Decompression Procedure
This procedure entails using a fine, needle-like tool to remove a part of the thickened ligament in the back of the spinal column. This increases the canal space and addresses nerve root impingement. Patients suffering from thickened ligament and lumbar spinal stenosis only are eligible for a decompression procedure.
The patient may consider surgery if various other treatments have been ineffective or if they feel disabled by stenosis symptoms. The objectives of surgery include reducing the pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord by surgically creating additional space in the spinal canal. Surgery is a definitive stenosis decompression treatment which aims to address the symptoms of the spinal stenosis.
Some procedures that help treat spinal stenosis are:
Laminectomy
The surgeon removes the back portion, known as lamina, of the impacted vertebra. Laminectomy is often referred to as decompression surgery as it reduces the pressure on the nerves to produce additional space around them.
In certain instances, the vertebra might require linkage to the adjacent vertebrae with a bone graft and metal hardware (spinal fusion). This helps maintain the strength of the spine.
Laminotomy
This surgery entails the removal of only a part of the lamina. This is done through creating a hole just large enough to reduce pressure in a specific area.
Laminoplasty
This surgery is only conducted on the vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine). It creates space in the spinal canal by making a hinge on the lamina. The surgeon uses metal hardware to fill the gap within the opened spinal section.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
This surgery helps remove lamina or bone in a manner that minimizes damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. This leads to a lesser need for fusions. While fusions are an effective way to decrease pain and stabilize the spine, avoiding fusions can mitigate possible complications such as inflammation and pain after the surgery and infection around spinal sections.
A minimally invasive surgery not only reduces the need for fusion but also results in a shorter recovery period. Accomplished orthopedic surgeon Dr. Garabekyan receives patients from North Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other neighborhoods and suburbs in this part of the state for orthopedic surgery and other procedures.
Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:
North Hollywood: 818.755.6500
Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030
Serving patients in Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, Century City, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.
Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/
