How Does Decompression for Spinal Stenosis Work?

You would do just about anything to do away with the pain, tingling, and weakness of spinal stenosis, but is surgery your only option? Thankfully, no. 

Numerous less invasive treatments can help minimize your symptoms while enhancing your overall life quality. Decompression is one such option.

Our expert team at Houston Pain Specialists, led by board-certified pain management specialist Hui Kang, MD, performs decompression to help you get fully back on your feet. 

Read on to learn more about spinal stenosis, including how decompression can help.

Spinal stenosis 101

When you have spinal stenosis, it means that the spaces within your spine have narrowed, typically in your neck or lower back. This narrowing can place pressure on the nerves that move through your spine. 

While you can develop spinal stenosis without any noticeable symptoms, many people experience pain, weakness, and tingling in the back, neck, and legs. As spinal stenosis progresses, you may also have difficulty walking or standing or controlling your bowels or bladder. 

Most anyone can develop spinal stenosis, but it’s more likely with increasing age and repetitive activities due to damage caused by wear and tear. Herniated discs, tumors, and acute injuries can also contribute.

Treatment for spinal stenosis

There’s no known cure for spinal stenosis, but an effective treatment plan can go a long way toward managing and reducing your symptoms. 

At Houston Pain Specialists, we usually start with the most conservative options, all aimed at bringing you relief while avoiding surgery. Your customized plan may include:

• A pain reliever, antidepressant, or anti-seizure medication
• Physical therapy
• Epidural steroid injections
• Decompression
• Vertiflex

Even if you don’t partake in physical therapy, routine exercise is one of the keys to managing your symptoms, improving your mobility and strength, and staving off complications. We can talk to you about specific types of exercise and ways to go about it safely.

How decompression for spinal stenosis works

During a decompression procedure, we insert a needle-like instrument to remove some of the thickened ligament tissue that’s responsible for your symptoms and to create more space within your spine. 

We perform decompression without general anesthesia, making it a good option for people who can’t safely tolerate surgery. 

After the procedure, you can expect to notice relief pretty quickly. Research has shown a success rate of 71-89% overall. And within two weeks of having spinal decompression, patients have reported experiencing 50% less pain.

To learn more about decompression for spinal stenosis or to get the care you need, contact our Houston, Texas, office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kang.