Cervical Spinal Stenosis Surgery for Patients from Pinedale, WY & Surrounding Areas
Cervical spinal stenosis surgery may be recommended for you if you are experiencing numbness or tingling in your arms and hands (myelopathy) that is affecting your quality of life. If you’ve reached this point, you’ve probably tried nonsurgical treatments like medications and physical therapy without finding the relief you need. Even so, surgery is a big step, so it’s best to learn as much as you can before making any decisions. If you need guidance, you are welcome to seek professional advice from the spine team at Teton Orthopaedics in Pinedale, Wyoming. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons develop individualized treatment plans based on proven techniques.
In order to fully understand your treatment choices, you’ll need to be familiar with your spinal anatomy and condition. The vertebrae that make up your spine are separated by cushioning discs. Over time, wear and tear on these hard-working discs can cause them to lose water content and collapse. This can change the way that your spinal bones fit together and narrow the space within your spinal canal (a condition known as stenosis), which houses your spinal cord and a series of nerve roots. If any of this sensitive nerve tissue becomes compressed, painful symptoms like myelopathy can develop.
The surgeons at Teton Orthopaedics in Pinedale, WY, perform several types of surgery designed to address myelopathy caused by cervical spinal stenosis. Regardless of the technique utilized, however, the goals of surgery are to alleviate pain and improve function by increasing the space within the spinal canal. For instance:
- If the source of the pressure is a bone spur that developed near the front of the spine, then an anterior corpectomy with strut graft and fusion may be considered.
- If the compression is occurring at the back of the spinal cord, then a laminectomy or laminoplasty may be recommended.
- If very severe, multiple-level narrowing has occurred, treatment may include both front (anterior) and back (posterior) neck surgery to adequately decompress and stabilize the spine.
Following your cervical spinal stenosis surgery, you’ll likely be encouraged to begin taking short walks as soon as possible, and you may be advised to temporarily wear a neck brace to help support your spine. Our outstanding in-house team of physical therapists can develop a customized rehabilitation program designed to help you gradually build strength, endurance, and flexibility as you heal.
To learn more about cervical spinal stenosis surgery and the other treatment options available at Teton Orthopaedics, contact us to schedule a consultation at our office in Pinedale, WY.