Enlarged Image for Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of one or more areas in the spine — especially in the upper or lower back — that presses on the spinal cord or the roots of the spinal nerves.

Surgeons can successfully alleviate abnormal pressure in the spinal canal, usually by removing the bone and ligaments around the narrowing (decompressive surgery). While laminectomy is the most common type of decompressive surgery, other procedures, such as spinal fusion, may be required. Minimally invasive and microsurgical procedures may be options for some patients.