Spine · Decompression Surgery
Lumbar Canal Stenosis
Narrowing of the lower spinal canal compressing nerves, causing back pain, leg pain and difficulty walking long distances. Treated with decompression and stabilisation surgery.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Lumbar Canal Stenosis?
Lumbar canal stenosis is the gradual narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, compressing nerves and causing back pain, leg pain, numbness, weakness and difficulty walking long distances. Symptoms typically improve while sitting or bending forward and worsen on standing or walking, known as neurogenic claudication. Dr. Bathini Hithesh performs precise decompression with or without fusion, offering lasting relief from leg pain and walking difficulty.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Age-related spinal degeneration
- Disc bulges and disc herniation
- Thickened ligaments inside spine
- Bony spurs and facet arthritis
- Spondylolisthesis or spinal instability
- Previous spine surgery or trauma
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical examination supported by MRI for canal narrowing assessment
Physiotherapy, medications and epidural injections tried first for mild cases
Decompression surgery usually takes 90–180 minutes
Walking next day, full recovery in 6–8 weeks
3–5 days depending on procedure complexity and fusion
Cashless approval available with most major insurers
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Lumbar Decompression Surgery
Dr. Hithesh performs precise lumbar decompression — laminectomy, laminotomy or decompression with fusion — relieving pinched nerves, restoring walking comfort and providing long-lasting relief from leg pain and weakness.
- 1
Clinical Evaluation
Dr. Hithesh assesses neurological signs, walking distance and reflexes, supported by MRI to confirm extent and level of canal narrowing.
- 2
Conservative Trial
Physiotherapy, medications, lifestyle changes and epidural steroid injections are first tried for mild to moderate stenosis cases.
- 3
Decompression Surgery
Laminectomy or laminotomy is performed to widen the spinal canal, with fusion added if instability or spondylolisthesis is present.
- 4
Structured Recovery
Walking begins next day with progressive physiotherapy, achieving full functional recovery and return to routine within six to eight weeks.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Laminectomy
Surgical removal of lamina to widen spinal canal and decompress nerves, relieving back pain, leg pain and walking difficulty.
Laminotomy
Conservative decompression removing only a small lamina portion, preserving spinal stability while relieving nerve compression and symptoms effectively.
Decompression with Posterolateral Fusion and Pedicle Screw Fixation
Combined nerve decompression with screw-rod fusion for stenosis with instability, providing strong long-term spinal stability.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
Spine fusion through side approach with cage and screws, restoring disc height, alignment and providing strong fusion outcomes.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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