Explaining lumbar spinal stenosis

This condition occurs when there is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, sometimes causing pain or weakness in the legs.

Although a lumbar laminectomy may be recommended, the decision to have this treatment is completely up to you. You will find all the positive advantages and negative effects of the procedure in this section, allowing you to make an informed choice. If any of your questions are not answered you should consult your surgeon and team of health care specialists.

Your vertebrae are the column of bones that form your spine. The vertebrae are curved and are linked together with smaller facet joints and separated by spongy discs. The laminae (the official term for the curved joints) form the spinal canal—like a tunnel protecting the spinal cord, which runs from your brain down the canal (Figure 1: Normal vertebra). The spinal cord’s nerves and blood vessels lead into the canal via the vertebrae. The nerves communicate messages from your brain enabling muscle movement. They also transfer messages from your skin alerting you to both touch and pain.

There is a natural tendency for a narrowing of the spinal canal as we age. This is to do with wear on the facet joints, a thickening around ligaments that are in close proximity and also discs bulging. Arthritis and other bone problems in the spine can also cause the spinal canal to narrow. Some people have a narrow spinal canal from birth. This narrowing, whatever its cause, means that space for both the nerves and blood vessels is compromised. This results in poorly working nerves, especially if you have been exercising or standing for long periods of time. Some symptoms include a tingling sensation or pain in the leg, which can prevent normal walking.

Relief can often be found by bending forward or sitting down.

Advantages of surgery

Surgery can offer relief from pain and the ability to walk further. Surgery will also ensure the symptoms do not worsen.

Alternatives to surgery

Mild symptoms may not need any treatment; acute or worsening symptoms are usually candidates for surgery.

Outcome if surgery is not carried out

Over time your symptoms are more likely to get worse rather than better, although some do see an organic improvement. If symptoms do not improve surgery may be the best route.

About the operation

In preparation and to plan the operation an MRI scan will confirm diagnosis. You will undergo several other checks to ensure that you will receive the correct operation for your condition. Be clear on the name of the surgery you are admitted for, so that you can relay this to the health care team.

Various anaesthetic techniques are possible for use in this type of surgery. These will be discussed with you by the anaesthetist and a specific technique will be recommended. Sometimes antibiotics are given during the operation to protect against infection. You can expect this surgery to take between one and three hours.

A vertical incision will be made in the centre of your lower back and your muscles will be parted to access the spine. To widen the narrow part of the canal, bone and ligament tissue will be removed This will allow more room for both nerves and blood vessels to perform.

Your skin may be stitched together or clipped to close the incision. Inserting a drain or tube under the skin will help the wound to heal. If this procedure is used, the drain is usually removed within the first two days after surgery.

Details about medication

Any medication that you take should be listed for your doctor so they can advise you on the procedure accurately. The list should include all medications including blood-thinning medication, herbal or complementary products, dietary supplements and over the counter medication.

Things you can do to support the operation:

• Stop smoking several months prior to the surgery. This will reduce the risk of complications and also be better for your health. Nicotine can prevent healing to wounds of lower back surgery, thus increasing the likelihood of scarring and acute pain.
• Maintain or lose weight. There is a higher risk of complications if you are overweight.
• With regular exercise you will be in better shape to face the operation and also to make a good recovery. Always ask the advice of your doctor about the type of exercise you should undertake.
• Reduce the risk of wound infection by not shaving or waxing the wound area in the week prior to the procedure.
• Bath or shower either the previous day or on the day of the operation.
• Keep warm, especially whilst waiting and after the operation. Let the health care team know if you are cold at these times.

Risks and complications

Any risks or complications will be discussed in advance of your treatment with your expert consultant.

Recovery times

In hospital

• Following the procedure you will move first to a recovery area and then to the ward.
• You will be encouraged to start walking the day after the operation.
• The wound needs to be kept dry for four – five days. The health care team will explain when you need new dressings or stitches / clips removed.
• If you make good progress you will return home after two or three days unless the doctor feels you would benefit from staying longer.
• If you are concerned at any time when in hospital or later at home, contact your health care team.

Returning to normal

• Follow the instructions of your health care team carefully to avoid a blood clot, including taking medication or wearing special stockings.
• Follow the programme of exercises given to you by the physiotherapist to strengthen your back. The exercises will help protect you from getting similar back problems again.
• The healthcare team will tell you when you can return to normal activities. Make sure that you do not lift anything heavy or twist your body. Good posture when sitting and walking and regular exercise will help you to heal and get back to normal as quickly as possible.
• Before you start any exercises, please speak to your doctor or the healthcare team.
• Driving should not be undertaken until you are confident about your ability to control the car. Before you start, check your insurance policy and with your doctor.

The future

• Approximately 17 out of 20 people make a good recovery from this operation, returning to normal activities.
• Leg pain should not be a problem but you may still feel occasional back pain due to on-going wear to your spine. Acute back pain could be caused by instability and may require a spinal fusion procedure.
• The return of spinal stenosis either in the same or a different place is possible. The probability of this is low with just 4:100 needing a second operation within four years.

Summary

Narrowing of the spinal canal in your lower back is known as lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition which may cause weakness in the legs or pain in the lower back. The surgical procedure aims to inhibit deterioration of the condition. While surgery is usually very safe, complications are possible and this page helps you to understand what they are. This allows you to make an informed decision about having the procedure and about detecting symptoms of complications early.

Keep this information leaflet safe and use it to ask questions of your healthcare professional if necessary.

References

EIDO Healthcare Limited: The operation and treatment information on this website is produced using information from EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Aspen Healthcare.

The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.