Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the space within your spine narrows, which can pinch the nerves that travel through that space, causing nerve pain. Because of this, patients often experience a pinching sensation, leading to pain, muscle weakness, and numbness or tingling.
Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and neck in adults 50 and older.
Considered a wear-and-tear type of degenerative condition, spinal stenosis may slowly develop over time as a person ages. It often occurs in people with osteoarthritis. It can also develop after injuries or fractures anywhere along the spine. In some cases, it may be congenital. For instance, those who are born with a narrow spinal column may be at risk of developing spinal stenosis later in life.
Treating Spinal Stenosis With Laminoplasty
Laminoplasty is a type of decompression procedure in which your neurosurgeon creates an opening in the lamina, which is the bone resting atop the spinal cord. There are various surgical approaches to doing the laminoplasty, and your surgeon will use the one best for you.
The goal of the surgery is to increase the amount of space within the spinal cord to alleviate the nerve compression causing your symptoms.
Laminoplasty is considered a “motion-preserving” surgery because it does not restrict your range of motion after surgery. However, the post-op recovery process will involve resting and the use of a neck collar for a couple of weeks. Most patients recover their normal nerve function within a few weeks of the surgery.
Spine Surgeons in Colorado
Should there be anyone in your family, neighborhood, or social circle who has shown symptoms of spinal stenosis, it would be best to encourage them to see a doctor right away. At the Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, we specialize in minimally invasive spine surgery, including laminoplasty, to help alleviate the pain experienced by a lot of spinal stenosis patients.
Dr. Michael Rauzzino has a team of dedicated surgeons with years of experience in surgical spine procedures. We have successfully treated many brain tumors, spinal tumors, and cases of nerve pain. We stand ready to serve your spinal care and nerve-related needs.
Call (303) 790-1800 to schedule your consultation with one of our caring neurosurgeons. You can also request an appointment now. We are happy to assist and help you to get back to your old active lifestyle!
