Decompression
The spine canal becomes narrowed, and as a result the nerve roots inside become more and more crowded. This causes a feeling of aching fatigue and heaviness in the legs.
When to Consider Discectomy, and When Not
The symptoms from spinal stenosis may tend to come and go to some degree, at least in the early stages.
This is probably because the arthritic joints may go through phases when they are a little more inflamed and swollen, enough just to tip the balance towards a critical degree of narrowing. At this stage rest and anti-inflammatory tablets may be sufficient.
If the symptoms from spinal stenosis become persistent and intrusive, limiting walking and standing for example, then it is time to consider surgical decompression. The condition does tend to progress with time, although the rate of any deterioration is unpredictable.
Although it can affect people of almost any age, spinal stenosis is more common in elderly people and as such other medical conditions may need to be taken into account in deciding whether or not to go ahead with surgery. It is worth noting, however, that many people in their eighties and nineties do undergo this operation safely and with great benefit, restoring mobility and a quality of life that had seemed to have been lost.
Decompression does restore the space in the spinal canal but sometimes additional procedures may need to be considered, for example if the spine has become unstable
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In memory of Nick Boeree
Following the sudden death of Nick Boeree we have set up a tribute page to allow you to share your memories, thoughts, and feelings. Click here.
You know when you talk to someone and you just know, 'this is someone I can trust to do the job right'. I had this immediate sensation with Nick
Marti Conger
