Spinal Fusion Baltimore MD for Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal narrows and pinches nerves.  It is sometimes treated with non-surgical methods such as physical therapy and injections, but sometimes spinal fusion Baltimore MD is necessary.

Spinal stenosis

People over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for spinal stenosis because aging can cause the ligaments in the spine to become thick and calcified, narrowing the spinal canal.  Spinal fusion surgery Baltimore to correct spinal stenosis also sometimes needs to be done due to the breakdown of cartilage discs that cushion the vertebrae and bone spurs (growths that form on the bones).

Symptoms of spinal stenosis that may need spinal fusion surgery Baltimore can include:

• Difficulty walking
• Clumsiness or frequent falls
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
• Leg pain
• Back pain that lessens when you lean forward

Before spinal fusion Baltimore MD

Before spinal fusion surgery Baltimore, your doctor will most likely try non-surgical treatments that can include:

• Posture changes: Slouching or stooping can strain the ligaments in your back.
• Physical therapy: This can help strengthen back muscles so the spine is better supported.
• Medicine: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories can help relieve symptoms.
• Spinal injections: A steroid injection directly into the spinal canal is sometimes necessary.

Spinal fusion surgery Baltimore

If non-surgical treatments do not provide significant results, you may need spinal fusion surgery Baltimore.  Spinal fusion surgery Baltimore is a procedure to permanently attach 2 or more vertebrae to prevent them from moving.  An incision is made at the affected part of the spine, and your surgeon will use tiny tools to remove damaged discs.  He or she will then use a piece of bone (usually taken from the hip) and use that to fuse the vertebrae together.  Sometimes in spinal fusion surgery Baltimore, an artificial bone-like substance will be used instead of real bone.  Often, special screws and roads are attached to the spine to provide stability while the fusion of small back bones Baltimore is healing.  Full recovery after spinal fusion surgery Baltimore can take several months and may include a rehab program and special exercises.  You can learn more about spinal fusion surgery Baltimore at www.medstarunionortho.org.