Spinal Stenosis
By Dr. Kalyan Bommakanti, Neurosurgeon & Endoscopic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad.
Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal — can cause leg pain and heaviness on walking. Endoscopic decompression relieves the pressure through a small opening, preserving spinal stability.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal or the small openings where the nerves exit. As the space tightens, the nerves are squeezed — typically causing leg pain, heaviness or cramping that comes on with walking or standing and eases when you sit or lean forward (neurogenic claudication).
When stenosis needs surgery, endoscopic decompression relieves the pressure through a small opening, trimming the thickened ligament and bone that crowd the nerve while preserving the spine’s stability — often avoiding a larger open laminectomy and, in many single- and two-level cases, avoiding fusion.
Not every narrowing needs an operation. Dr. Kalyan uses Functional Dynamic EMG to confirm which nerve is truly affected, and offers surgery only when it is genuinely the best option.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does spinal stenosis feel like?
Most people notice leg pain, heaviness or cramping when they walk or stand, which eases on sitting or leaning forward. Some have numbness or weakness.
Can spinal stenosis be treated without open surgery?
In many cases, yes – endoscopic decompression relieves the pressure through a keyhole opening, preserving the bone and muscle that keep the spine stable.
Does stenosis surgery always need fusion?
No. Endoscopic decompression preserves spinal stability in most single- and two-level cases, so fusion can often be avoided.
Have a question or an MRI to review?
Send it to Dr. Kalyan’s team for an honest opinion. Consultations at Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad.