Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal – causing compressed nerves, back pain, and loss of sensation. As is the case with most conditions of the spine, there are numerous treatment options ranging from chiropractic techniques, to minimally invasive spinal surgery. In this blog we are going to discuss the pros and cons of two spinal stenosis treatment options – injection therapy and minimally invasive surgery.

Injections for Stenosis

Injections can be an effective treatment option for patients suffering from spinal stenosis. Generally, injection therapy is a good place to begin if the patient is experiencing a good deal of pain from the stenosis. Depending on how your body responds, you may need to get regular injections every few months to keep the pain at bay. If injections become less and less effective over time and the pain increases, minimally invasive surgery is the next option.

Spine Surgery for Stenosis

When injections fail to effectively relieve back pain from spinal stenosis, surgery is typically the next treatment option that is considered. Minimally invasive surgery is a more intensive treatment than injections, but in most cases, it provides long-term pain relief that injection therapy often does not. Additionally, when the spinal nerves are severely impacted and the patient experiences tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation, spinal surgery may be necessary to free up the nerves and prevent permanent damage & paralysis.

Ultimately, each patient is different and there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to treating spinal stenosis. Some patients will respond well to injections, while others may not achieve enough pain relief from injections. When that happens, minimally invasive surgery is the next course of action. Talk to your physician about all of your treatment options before you make a decision. Your doctor can walk you through all the treatments and make a recommendation about what is right for you.

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