Surgical Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is there an age limit for surgery?

A. Age alone does not determine whether you can have surgery. Many patients in their 80s and even 90s undergo successful surgery. The decision is based on your overall health, other medical conditions, and your own wishes — considered together as a whole.

Q. Will surgery cure me completely?

A. Most patients experience significant improvement, but "completely pain-free" is not always guaranteed. Because spinal stenosis is caused by age-related changes, new narrowing can develop at other levels over time.

Q. Do I need decompression or fusion?

A. If there is no instability, decompression alone is often sufficient. When instability is present, adding fusion is particularly effective for improving back pain. The decompression and fusion pages explain each option in detail.

Q. How long will I be in the hospital?

A. Typically 1–2 weeks for decompression, and 2–3 weeks for fusion. Minimally invasive approaches may shorten this.

Q. When can I return to work?

A. For desk work, about 1–2 months. For physically demanding jobs, 3–6 months is typical. Fusion patients may need longer.