Our Summary

This research paper examines how effective surgical decompression, a type of spine surgery, is at improving lower back pain in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spaces within your spine). This condition often causes lower back pain and discomfort in the legs. The study was conducted on patients who underwent this surgery between 2014 and 2017. The researchers found that lower back pain significantly improved three months after surgery and this improvement was maintained for up to 24 months. Additionally, they discovered that patients who didn’t use narcotics or were not claiming compensation, and those who had severe back pain before the surgery, were more likely to see sustained improvement. So, the study shows that surgical decompression can significantly alleviate lower back pain in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

FAQs

  1. How effective is surgical decompression in treating lower back pain in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis?
  2. What factors were found to influence the effectiveness of surgical decompression in maintaining improvement in patients?
  3. How long can patients expect to see improvements in their lower back pain after undergoing surgical decompression?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may recommend spinal decompression as a treatment option for patients with lower back pain caused by conditions such as lumbar spinal stenosis. This procedure can help alleviate pain and improve mobility by relieving pressure on the spinal nerves. It is important to follow post-operative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper posture can help prevent further back issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal decompression are those who are experiencing symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis, such as lower back pain and leg discomfort. These patients may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections without significant relief. Additionally, patients who have severe lower back pain and are not using narcotics or seeking compensation may be more likely to benefit from surgical decompression. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if spinal decompression is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before spinal decompression:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis such as lower back pain, leg pain, and discomfort.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis.
  3. Patient may undergo conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections to manage symptoms.
  4. If conservative treatments are ineffective, patient may be recommended for surgical decompression.

After spinal decompression:

  1. Patient undergoes surgical decompression to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
  2. Patient may experience some initial post-operative pain and discomfort.
  3. Within three months post-surgery, patient starts to experience significant improvement in lower back pain.
  4. Improvement in lower back pain is maintained for up to 24 months post-surgery.
  5. Patients who did not use narcotics or were not claiming compensation, and those who had severe back pain before surgery, were more likely to see sustained improvement.
  6. Patient may undergo physical therapy or rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the spine.
  7. Patient experiences long-term relief from lower back pain and improved quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is spinal decompression and how does it work?
  2. Am I a good candidate for spinal decompression surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with spinal decompression surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of spinal decompression surgery for patients with my specific condition?
  5. What is the recovery process like after spinal decompression surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for spinal decompression surgery?
  7. How long will it take for me to see improvement in my lower back pain after the surgery?
  8. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after spinal decompression surgery?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing spinal decompression surgery?
  10. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery to monitor my progress?

Reference

Authors: Srinivas S, Paquet J, Bailey C, Nataraj A, Stratton A, Johnson M, Salo P, Christie S, Fisher C, Hall H, Manson N, Rampersaud YR, Thomas K, McIntosh G, Dea N. Journal: Spine J. 2019 Jun;19(6):1001-1008. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2019.01.003. Epub 2019 Jan 19. PMID: 30664950