If activity is usually limited to walking a few blocks and the patient can function, surgery may not be necessary to maintain that lifestyle. But, if a patient is an active 60 or 70 year old who wants to garden or play golf and can't walk more than a couple of blocks, surgery may be appropriate. If a patient is experiencing serious or progressive neurological defects as a result of spinal compression, surgery is a priority. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, acetominophen and naproxen sodium often are used in the early stages of LSS to manage pain. In some cases, these medications, or a short course of oral steroids, can temporarily help.
Physical therapy can provide good, if sometimes temporary, relief.
In many cases, epidural steroids can reduce inflammation of the spinal nerves or nerve roots, providing temporary or longer relief. Surgery is often the best treatment designed to relieve the pain and neurological symptoms caused by LSS by removing the bone, bone spur and ligaments causing spinal sac and nerve root compression. The majority of patients who undergo surgery report good results, often gaining years of relief and an improved quality of life. Difficulty walking or standing Medication and physical therapy are ineffective Patient is in reasonably good health Post-Surgical Expectations Typically, a patient is released from the hospital two to five days after surgery. A short course of physical therapy may be ordered to strengthen the lower back.