Severe spinal stenosis: Would you do surgery?

Hi there
I too have cervical stenosis
No pain just numbness in toes and hands. I had 2 opinions, one wanted to do 2 survives, front and back. Other doctor reminded me we treat symptoms not the scan
Said no surgery unless things get worse . That is who I chose to believe . That was almost 3 yrs ago and I have to say quality of life is good with no pain

I had the surgery you are talking about four years ago. Problems started again about a year ago. I just had Minute Man Procedure that I thought was a miracle cure for about two weeks and then things started heading South again. I have a lot of pain when walking and severe balance issues. The Dr. that did the Minute Man procedure is recommending PT and see what that does and then he might have to go back in a do another spot. It is all very confusing and time-consuming. At least the Minute Man procedure is very non-invasive with only one small cut that is done in a surgery center rather than a hospital.

What is “minute man procedure”?

Thank you for your input!

A good home exercise program (HEP) an evaluation by a physician therapists and no surgery unless absolutely necessary. Your PCP can write you a prescription to have a PT “evaluate and treat” your back pain and they can provide you with the HEP that can keep you in tip top shape without surgery.

I have been looking for more information on a new surgery for spinal stenosis. Its a one day in the hospital and a 1/2 inch incision in your lower back. I won't do major surgery as I am 78 but might consider this as my back keeps getting worse... I refuse getting the steroid shots in my back anymore as they aren't much help and send my blood sugar high. I called about the surgery called vertibrex so see if they did it here (sioux falls) but so far no. Has anyone else heard about this.......

Interesting
Have never heard of that

I’ve had the Vertiflex it helped a little but not as much as I was expecting

I have had C2 to C7 through posterior operation, at the time, I was in severe pain. Could only raise my arms about 2 inches. In 2003, I had anterior cervical surgery taking out discs and replacing with cages and a titanium rod. IN 2005, my lumbar spine with another operation and laminectomy. I'm 75years old now and had surgery on both hips,and my left shoulder, At your age your outcome is better and you snap back faster. I had relief from the surgery, but each one is different. The degeneration continues in 2012 I was offered a morphine pump because I had become inoperable. My efforts allowed me to keep working, and in 2010 developed sepsis and had brain damage from it and had to go on disability and retire. The surgery is one part
of it and the recovery a long road. I do not regret my decision, my mother had similar problems but wouldn't do the surgery, this resulted in 40 years as a very disabled person. I think the surgery helped me to function in a positive way. Good luck.

My pain management doctor suggested this procedure to alleviate my lower back pain due to stenosis. A spacer would be placed between L3 and L4 plus L4 and L5. Several reviews I have read reported good results with pain. It can be removed if it doesn’t work so this is a plus for me. Recovery time is 6-9 weeks as opposed to 6-12 months with a fusion. I will probably choose this route rather than the fusion surgery. I am right outside of Houston and several doctors in the area offer this procedure.

Hi, Thanks for the reply and information. I am so sick of a back ache everyday and been try ing to find more information on this type of surgery. So far, I don't think a dr. offers it here yet. Keep in touch and hope the surgery and recovery goes well for you. Joan