Specializing in Spinal Stenosis Treatment
What is spinal stenosis?
The thirty-three vertebrae of the spine perfectly align to form the spinal canal. The spinal canal is one of the body's most important musculoskeletal structures because it is responsible for protecting the spinal cord. The medical condition
spinal stenosis is characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal and subsequent compression of the spinal cord and/or spinal nerve roots. The most common cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis.
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
The symptoms of spinal stenosis depend on the location of the condition. Cervical (neck) stenosis may cause any of the following symptoms:
- Neck pain and/or stiffness
- Weakness or numbness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
Lumbar spine/back stenosis may cause any or any combination of the following symptoms:
- Back pain
- Radiating pain (sciatica)
- Lower extremity weakness, numbness, tingling
Dr. Virella is an expert in recognizing the symptoms of spinal stenosis and then accurately diagnosing the condition. He uses a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan to help reduce his patient's symptoms and provide them with a long-lasting or permanent treatment solution.
What are spinal stenosis treatment/procedure options?
Nonsurgical treatment options may be used to treat spinal stenosis in its early stages. A spinal stenosis doctor/surgeon usually prescribes a combination of the following treatment options:
- Rest
- Physical therapy
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Injections
Spinal stenosis that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment measures or has reached severe stages usually requires spinal stenosis surgery. Dr. Virella specializes in and commonly performs
minimally invasive spinal stenosis surgery. The two most common procedures Dr. Virella performs are the following:
- Minimally Invasive Lumbar Laminectomy. Dr. Virella carefully removes pieces of bone or soft tissue that narrow the spinal canal and compress the spinal cord.
- Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion. Dr. Virella removes bone and soft tissue and then fuses adjacent vertebrae using bone graft.
Patients who have their minimally invasive procedure performed by Dr. Virella can look forward to having a smaller scar, less post-surgical pain, and a decreased recovery time. Hundreds of patients have experienced symptom relief and an improved quality of life following their surgery with Dr. Virella.
If you are ready to find a solution to your back, neck or spine condition contact us to make an appointment with Dr. Virella. With three convenient locations in Agoura Hills, CA, Valencia, CA, and Palmdale, CA, making an appointment is easier than ever.
Anthony Virella, MD
Anthony Virella, MD is a Board-Certified, Fellowship Trained Neurological Spine Surgeon with advanced training in the management spinal disorders. He is also a graduate of the UCLA Neurosurgery Residency Program and completed his Complex Spine Resident Fellowship at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Additional work included a second Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center. Dr. Virella is a nationally recognized spine specialist and has authored numerous articles and lectured nationally and internationally in the field of Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.
