Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal or the openings through which nerves exit the spine. It is a common cause of leg pain and walking difficulty in adults over 50, and is highly amenable to surgical treatment when conservative care is insufficient.
Stenosis develops gradually as disc degeneration, bone spurs, thickened ligaments, and facet joint enlargement progressively narrow the spinal canal. The result is compression of the spinal cord (in the cervical spine) or cauda equina (in the lumbar spine), producing a characteristic pattern of symptoms.
Lumbar stenosis classically causes neurogenic claudication — leg pain, heaviness, or weakness that worsens with walking and is relieved by sitting or leaning forward. Cervical stenosis can produce myelopathy, with gait instability, hand clumsiness, and in severe cases, risk of spinal cord injury.
Most spine conditions respond well to a stepped approach — starting with the least invasive options and progressing only when needed. Our surgeons evaluate each patient individually to determine the most appropriate path.
Lumbar decompression for stenosis is one of the most commonly performed and successful spine operations. Clinical evidence demonstrates significant improvement in pain and walking ability in appropriately selected patients. For cervical stenosis with myelopathy, decompression is recommended before significant neurological decline occurs, as the natural history is often one of stepwise deterioration.
General medical consensus supports surgical intervention only after conservative measures have been adequately trialed, except in cases of significant neurological compromise or progressive deficit, where earlier intervention may be warranted.
Our surgeons take a conservative approach — surgery is recommended only when it is clearly the best option. Schedule a consultation and we will walk through your imaging, history, and all available treatments together.
Our fellowship-trained spine specialists will evaluate your condition and discuss every available option — surgical and non-surgical.