Los Angeles Spine Surgeon Says Spinal Stenosis Treatment With Micro Laminectomy Preserves Spine Strength

Spine Surgeon Rad Payman, MD says spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition often linked to arthritis that causes a narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of the nerves. “Spinal Stenosis can also affect younger people who are born with small spinal canals,” says Dr. Payman.  “Other symptoms of spinal stenosis include a burning or aching type of pain in the buttocks that radiates to the legs, or weakness in the legs. The symptoms can come on slowly or suddenly.”

 

Many patients respond to conservative treatments for the pain caused by spinal stenosis; those who require surgery may benefit from a “micro laminectomy” procedure to relieve pain and preserve spinal strength so they may continue regular activities. “A standard laminectomy involves  the surgical removal of the ‘lamina’, which is a bony portion of the spine composing part of the spinal canal. But some patients can benefit from the minimally invasive version of the procedure called a “micro laminectomy” in which a smaller amount of bone is removed compared to the standard procedure. This relieves pressure on the spinal cord and lumbar nerves but will maintain the maximum possible level of spine stability and strength, allowing patients to maintain more active lifestyles.“People want relief from pain, but they don’t want to lose their ability to keep active or play their favorite sports,” says Dr. Payman. 

 

Dr. Payman says the increasing number of spinal stenosis cases reflects the aging of a huge demographic group. “Estimates predict that during the coming decade the cases of spinal stenosis will double,” he says. “People are  maintaining a level of physical activity undreamt of by their parents and are fueling demand for management of back pain from injuries or age related causes.” Contact the Advanced Spine Institute at 818.501.2001 and visit www.thespinemd.com for more information on non-surgical and surgical options for treatment of neck and back pain,  injuries and degenerative disease.