Treatment Options: The Big Picture

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will my condition only get better with surgery?

A. Not necessarily. Many patients find significant relief with conservative treatment alone. However, spinal stenosis is a progressive condition, so regular follow-up with your doctor is important even if you feel better.

Q. Will surgery completely cure my pain?

A. Surgery improves symptoms for most patients, but it doesn't always eliminate pain entirely. There is also a possibility that stenosis may develop at a different level in the future.

Q. Am I too old for surgery?

A. Age alone does not determine whether surgery is possible. The decision depends on your overall health and any other medical conditions. Patients in their 80s and even 90s have undergone successful spinal surgery.

Q. Who is a good candidate for SCS?

A. There are three main scenarios where SCS is considered: (1) when there is no clear surgical target (imaging doesn't match symptoms, multi-level degeneration, etc.), (2) when surgery is possible but would require extensive multi-level fusion with significant physical burden, and (3) when pain persists after surgery due to ongoing nerve-related pain. In scenario 2 especially, trying SCS before committing to a major fusion surgery is a reasonable option. For more details, see About SCS.