Orthopaedics SA

Spinal Stenosis

Healthcare practitioner examining patient's upper back during physical assessment

Specialised treatment for spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the compression of spinal nerves caused by narrowing of spinal canal and it is one cause of leg pain (sciatica).

Spinal stenosis can usually be treated with conservative treatment approaches such as use of pain medications, physical therapy, steroid injections, or acupuncture. In chronic cases, surgery may be required to treat the condition.

Orthopaedic specialist reviewing spine X-ray with patient during consultation

spinal stenosis frequently asked questions

The symptoms include burning or aching type of pain in buttocks that radiates to the legs (sciatica), weakness in the legs or “foot drop”.

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is ageing and wear in the spine. As age advances, osteoarthritis, disc degeneration and thickening of ligaments may develop and these conditions contribute to spinal stenosis. The other causes include Paget’s disease, achondroplasia, spinal tumours and spinal injuries.

Diagnosis requires a careful detailed history, clinical examination and investigations such as radiographs and an MRI scan.

Nonsurgical Treatment

  • Physical therapy: Physical Therapy involves stretching exercises, massage, and lumbar and abdominal strengthening
  • Anti-inflammatory medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) initially provide pain relief and also reduce swelling. Simple analgesics such as Paracetamol provide a safe alternative
  • Steroid injections: Cortisone steroid injections are given around the nerves or in the “epidural space” to decrease swelling and pain
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture can be helpful in cases where the pain is less severe

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is considered for patients in whom the pain and weakness is causing debilitation such as inability to walk for a long time. The two main surgical procedures to treat lumbar spinal stenosis are laminectomy and spinal fusion.

  • Decompressive Laminectomy: This procedure involves removal of the bone, bone spurs, and ligaments that compress the nerves
  • Spinal fusion: In this procedure, two or more vertebrae are permanently fused together

Spine treatments

  • Artificial Disc Replacement

    Artificial disc replacement is a surgical method of replacing the diseased or damaged intervertebral discs of the spinal column with an artificial disc to restore motion to the spine. It can be considered as an alternative to spinal fusion for

  • Spinal Fusion Surgery

    Spinal surgery may be considered only after conservative therapy fails to adequately relieve the symptoms over a substantial period of time. Spinal fusion is the surgical technique of combining two or more vertebrae. Fusion of the vertebrae involves insertion of

Why Orthopaedics SA?

Comprehensive care

From arthritis to sports injuries, we treat a full spectrum of bone and joint conditions to keep you moving.

Expert surgeons

Our highly trained doctors have years of experience delivering precise and effective treatments.

SA’s largest practice

With 23 specialists, we offer unmatched expertise and evidence-based care for every patient.

Multiple locations

We have multiple clinics across South Australia, making it simple to find expert care nearby.

Patient-centric approach

We prioritise understanding your condition to ensure every treatment recommendation feels right for you.

Reliable support

Our team of nurses and administrative staff works behind the scenes to make your experience smooth and stress-free.

Meet our doctors

Our surgeons are highly qualified to offer personalised treatments tailored to your needs. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and ensure every decision is made with your well-being in mind.

We take responsibility for our patient’s experience

From your initial consultation to follow-up care, our team will guide you through every step of your treatment. Your specialist will provide a detailed recovery plan, including physical therapy to restore function and prevent future injuries.

Care

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