(February 20, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Surgery is more likely to relieve the pain and disability of spinal stenosis than standard nonsurgical treatment options, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Here are some facts about spinal stenosis:

•    It occurs when the bony portion of the spine narrows, causing pressure on the delicate nerve fibers inside the spinal core.

•    While spinal stenosis does not always cause symptoms, it sometimes results in pain so severe as to impair daily functioning.

•    Currently, spinal stenosis is a primary reason for surgery to the lower spine in adults over the age of 65.

Researchers from Dartmouth Medical School compared the results of over 600 patients with pain caused by spinal stenosis who were treated with either surgery or usual nonsurgical care, consisting primarily of physical therapy, education, at-home exercise, and medication to reduce pain and inflammation, in one of 13 spine centers across the U.S. The investigators followed the patients’ progress for up to two years.

Those who underwent surgery experienced significantly more improvement than those who received nonsurgical care with respect to pain relief, level of physical functioning, and level of disability. A difference between the two groups was noticeable as early as three months after the beginning of treatment, and this difference was still apparent after two years.

Today’s research demonstrates that surgery is a reasonable option for patients suffering from pain and disability caused by spinal stenosis, since it may offer relief that cannot be achieved by any other means.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, i'm Dr. Susan Sharma.