Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Hyderabad, India

PACE Hospitals is widely known as the best hospital for spinal stenosis treatment in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Our expert team of neurosurgeons, orthopedic specialists, and rehabilitation professionals provides accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans for patients with spinal stenosis—a condition caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in pressure on the spinal cord or surrounding nerves. Advanced diagnostic tools like MRI, CT scans, and EMG are used to determine the severity and exact location of the condition.

We offer both non-surgical and surgical treatment options, depending on the patient’s needs. Conservative methods include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, and targeted injections, while advanced cases may require procedures such as laminectomy, spinal fusion, or minimally invasive decompression. Our goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life—making PACE Hospitals the best hospital for spinal stenosis surgery in Hyderabad.

Book an appointment for 

Spinal Stenosis Treatment

Why Choose PACE Hospitals for Spinal Canal Stenosis Treatment?

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a medical condition in which the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that travel through the spine. This narrowing most commonly occurs in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine).

Spinal stenosis diagnosis includes a combination of medical history, physical examination, and some diagnostic tests. A neurologist and neurosurgeon may consider the following before selecting the appropriate tests to diagnose spinal stenosis: 

Initial evaluation 

• Medical history: The neurosurgeon may ask the patient when the pain was felt first, where the pain is located; whether the patient experiences any heaviness, numbness, or weakness in arms or legs; whether the pain gets worse when the patient moves, and whether the pain is relieved on relaxing. The patient is also asked about the family history, whether his/her family member has any history of spinal conditions.

• Physical examination: A physical examination is also carried out to further assessing the source of pain and other symptoms. Any kind of restricted movement in the spine or neck is examined, and the neurosurgeon may test for weakness in the arms and legs. A patient may be asked to walk or bend, so the doctor can observe the spine in motion.

• Neurological examination: Neurological evaluation may determine whether nerve damage is contributing to the symptoms. Nerves usually travel through the body, affecting muscles in predictable patterns. These patterns guide the neurosurgeon in matching abnormal physical responses with particular nerves.

Neurosurgeons use a small hammer to test for unresponsive nerve reflexes in various parts of the body, which may indicate a pinched nerve. They may also expose areas of patient skin to stimuli such as warm and cool temperatures in order to assess whether sensation is affected.

Diagnostic tests

Based on the above information, the neurosurgeon may suggest the following tests to diagnose spinal stenosis: 

Imaging studies 

• X-ray: X-rays are considered the first diagnostic imaging test in spinal stenosis. These imaging tests measure the diameter of the spinal canal and detect a fracture in the spine. Stenosis that results from conditions such as scoliosis or spina bifida can be confirmed with X-rays.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI scan examines the ligaments, spinal discs, and soft tissues in the spine, including the spinal cord and nerves. It can also reveal if an intervertebral disc has bulged or slipped out of place.

• Computed tomography (CT) scan: These imaging studies can identify the bone spurs development in the spinal canal or a fractured or displaced vertebra. Narrowing of facet joints is also revealed using a CT scan.

• CT–Myelogram: In this procedure, a non-toxic dye is used to provide more detailed images of the spinal canal. A thin needle injects a special dye into the spinal canal. This dye moves through the spinal canal within minutes, illuminating the spinal cord and nerve roots. The images captured while the dye is still in the spinal canal provide more detailed information than a traditional CT scan and helps in confirming the cause of stenosis.

• Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Study: An electromyogram or nerve conduction study is performed when the patient feels radiating pain in arms or legs or experiences any weakness, tingling, or numbness. This is performed to reveal whether these symptoms result from compressed nerves. Electromyogram helps in measuring the electrical impulse along nerves, nerve roots, and muscle tissue. In this test, small, thin needles called electrodes are inserted through the skin and into muscles that correspond to specific nerves. The neurosurgeon may then instruct the patient to move these muscles one at a time. The signals recorded when each muscle contract shows affected nerve roots and whether a nerve injury has caused muscle damage. A nerve conduction study helps in measuring how efficiently and how quickly nerves impulses travel. In this test, several small, flat electrodes are adhered to the skin over the nerve and surrounding muscle. A pulse of electricity is emitted from the electrode to the nerve, and how quickly the corresponding muscle contracts is recorded by a machine. When the muscle does not contract right away, it shows that the nerve is being pinched and is interfering with its function.

Stages of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is categorized into different stages or grades, each reflecting the severity of the condition and the associated symptoms. They are categorized as follows: 

• Stage 0: This stage indicates a clear anterior cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the absence of spinal stenosis. No considerable amount of constriction is affecting the spinal canal and the surrounding nerve components at this stage. 

• Stage 1: It is considered mild spinal stenosis; this stage shows noticeable separation of the cauda equina. Compression of spinal nerves occurs, and pain may exist, but each remains relatively modest.

• Stage 2: It is considered moderate spinal stenosis; this stage shows some grouping of the cauda equina, which prevents its separation. The compression of the nerve becomes more evident, which potentially leads to muscle weakness and sensory changes.

• Stage 3: This stage is considered severe spinal stenosis, and it is characterized by the complete absence of cauda equina separation. Compression significantly impairs nerve function, contributing to all the symptoms of the final stage of spinal stenosis.

Treatment Goals of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis treatment goals are to:

• To manage the symptoms.
• To improve the quality of life of the patient.
• To prevent further progression of disease conditions.
• To provide relief from pain, numbness, and tickling sensations caused by nerve compression.

Book online appointment​

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal due to compression of the nerve roots by a number of pathologic factors, potentially leading to symptoms such as pain, weakness, and numbness. The treatment of spinal stenosis depends on factors such as the severity of the symptoms. Treatment involves the following: 

Nonsurgical treatment for spinal stenosis

• Physical therapy: Physical therapy may help in reducing nerve compression in the lumbar spine and help in alleviating pain. Simple exercises for strengthening the core muscles and stretching muscles in the back are recommended. Exercises that need bending backward should be avoided, as extension may worsen the symptoms of spinal stenosis. Regular physical exercise strengthens the core muscles in the back, abdomen, and buttocks, which provide structural support for the spine. They also strengthen and stabilize the neck, that may reduce pain caused by cervical stenosis. 

• Brace technique: Orthopedic back braces, which are specifically designed for spinal stenosis, provide essential support to the spine. They help in stabilizing the affected area and alleviating pressure on the spinal nerves. These braces can improve daily activities and can provide comfort to the patient by enhancing spinal alignment and limiting excessive movement. 

• Medications: Different drug classes are prescribed, which may help in managing the symptoms and pain caused by spinal stenosis. The following are some of the drug classes used in treating spinal stenosis: 
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS): These drug class relieves pain by reducing swelling and inflammation of nerve roots and joints, thereby creating more space in the spinal canal. These drug classes are widely used to relieve pain and to reduce inflammation. These agents work by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which the body uses to produce prostaglandins. 

• Corticosteroids: These are anti-inflammatory medications; they reduce swelling and irritation in nerves and the spinal cord, thereby relieving pain. A neurosurgeon may prescribe a course of oral corticosteroids recommended for five or six days and reassess symptoms before recommending further treatment. With this therapy, patients may have relief from arm or leg pain within a few days.

• Neuroleptics: These medications stabilize the neurons within the spinal cord, which are overactive, in order to relieve arm or leg pain which is associated with nerve compression. When taken orally, these agents alleviate discomfort which is caused by spinal stenosis. Based on various factors such as severity of pain, the presence of tingling or numbness-like sensation, and whether the medication can provide relief in the first four weeks, the neurosurgeon may prescribe these drug classes for the specific time period. 

• Complementary and alternative treatment 
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture shows promising results in relieving the pain associated with nerve compression. This ancient method has a marked impact on the pain levels of patients suffering with back pain, particularly when it is caused by spinal stenosis.
• Massage therapy: This therapy provides many benefits in patients with spinal stenosis. It helps in relaxing the muscles by decreasing tension and reducing pain in the spine, which is caused by muscle tightness. It improves blood flow throughout the body, thereby allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the affected area. This improved circulation reduces inflammation in the area around the spine. By loosening up tight muscles, massage therapy improves the mobility in spinal stenosis patients. 

Surgical treatment for spinal stenosis

Surgery is recommended when spinal stenosis is not managed by non-pharmacological treatment and by pharmacological treatment. An orthopedist or a neurologist may recommend surgery right away when numbness or weakness causes impaired bowel function or bladder function, or other neurologic movement.

The following are some of the surgical interventions involved in treating spinal stenosis:

• Laminectomy: This procedure is considered only when the pharmacological treatment of spinal stenosis is ineffective or inadequate. In this procedure, the surgeon removes part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina). This helps in easing the pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots, which may be caused by injury, herniated disk, narrowing of the canal (spinal stenosis), or tumors.

• Spinal fusion: This is a surgical procedure of joining two or more bones together. In this procedure, a surgeon permanently joins two unstable vertebrae together using metal screws and rods. These joints remain in the spine as an internal brace in order to keep the bones in the correct alignment. The neurosurgeon may insert a small piece of living bone material, called a bone graft (taken from the patient’s body, from the hip, or from a donor through a bone bank) between the joined vertebrae. As time passes, the joined vertebrae heal, fusing into one bone mass, providing stability and flexibility to the spine, which is required to support the body and also eliminates pain caused by the slipped vertebra pushing against nerve roots or the spinal cord.

• Minimally invasive surgery: It is a type of surgical procedure where smaller incisions are made in order to cause less harm to nearby muscles and other tissues and is less painful and provides faster recovery after surgery. During this procedure, the neurophysician makes one or more smaller incisions and then inserts a device called a tubular retractor (a stiff, tube-shaped tool) which creates a tunnel to the problem area of the spine. It gently pushes aside the muscle and soft tissue around the area, then surgeons place small tools through the tunnel to work on the spine. A special operating microscope, high-resolution cameras, computer-assisted and robotic guidance, and real-time X-rays of the spine are also used during this procedure.

Spinal Stenosis Prognosis

Many patients with spinal stenosis are able to live actively and normally with the condition, although they need some changes in their physical activities or work. Generally, spine surgery will partly or fully relieve symptoms, and it is hard to predict if the symptoms will improve and how much relief the surgery will provide.

• Individuals having long-term back pain before their surgery are likely to have some pain after the surgery.

• If the patient has undergone more than one kind of back surgery, then the patient is more likely to have future problems.



• The area of the spinal column which is above and below a spinal fusion is more likely to be stressed and develop arthritis in the future. Due to this, more surgeries may be required later.

In rare cases, even if the pressure is relieved, the injuries caused by pressure on the nerves are permanent.

Spinal Stenosis Exercises

Stretching & Flexibility

• Knee-to-chest stretch – Reduces lower back tension.
• Pelvic tilts – Strengthens core and supports spine.
  
• Child’s pose – Gently stretches the spine.
  
• Cat-cow stretch – Improves spinal flexibility.

Strengthening

• Bridges – Builds glute and back strength.
  
• Wall sits – Strengthens legs and core.
  
• Bird dog – Enhances balance and spinal support.

Low-Impact Cardio

• Walking (with forward lean) – Improves endurance and reduces stiffness.
  
• Recumbent cycling – Spine-friendly aerobic workout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Spinal Stenosis

What is spinal stenosis?

It is defined as narrowing of the spinal column, which causes pressure on the spinal cord or narrowing of neural foramina (openings in the spine) where the spinal nerves exit the spinal column.

What is lumbar spinal stenosis?

It is the narrowing of the spinal column in the lower back, this narrowing squeeze or compress the nerves which travel from the lower back into the legs. The pain from this type of spinal stenosis is felt in the lower back and may travel down one or both legs.

What are the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis?

Lower back pain, numbness, tingling, or cramping in the legs, weakness in the legs, and burning pain which radiates down the buttocks and to the legs, this pain worsens with standing or walking and gets better with forward leaning are some of the common symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis.

How common is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is common in elderly patients. Many studies have shown that 5 in 1000 people over the age of 50 years are more likely to develop spinal stenosis. In the next decade, the prevalence of the disease is predicted to increase to about 180 lakhs.

What are the symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis?

Neck pain, numbness or tingling which radiates down the arms, weakness in the arms and legs are some of the common symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis.

What are the symptoms of thoracic spinal stenosis?

Extreme weakness or fatigue in one or both legs and/or feet, numbness in the legs and/or the feet, heaviness or stiffness in the legs, and loss of balance or difficulty in standing or walking are some of the common symptoms of thoracic spinal stenosis.

What is the difference between spinal stenosis and spondylosis?

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal column or narrowing of the neural foramina (openings in the spine) where the spinal nerves exit the spinal column.  Spondylosis is a natural age-related disease process which is associated with degenerative changes within the intervertebral disc.

Can spinal stenosis be asymptomatic?

Yes, spinal stenosis can be asymptomatic. When the spaces within the spine narrow, often in the lower back and neck, the symptoms may begin to develop. This narrowing causes pressure on the spine, causing symptoms. For most people, symptoms develop and progress slowly over a period of time, and some people may not have any symptoms.

Are there any specific factors that influence survival rates after spinal stenosis surgery?

Yes, factors such as age, gender, and type of surgical procedure can influence the survival rates after spinal stenosis surgery. Generally, female patients and those undergoing fusion surgery have higher survival rates compared to others.