Advanced Care for Spinal Stenosis & Scoliosis
Comprehensive evaluation and treatment for narrowed spinal canal, spinal curves, and nerve compression affecting walking, balance, and quality of life.
Spinal stenosis narrows the channel that protects your spinal cord and nerve roots, while scoliosis creates an abnormal spine curve. Together or separately, they can cause leg pain, walking difficulty, imbalance, and posture changes. Dr. Narula specializes in complex surgical planning that addresses both the nerve compression and spinal alignment, restoring function and independence.
Understanding Stenosis & Scoliosis
These are different problems that often happen together, creating complex challenges.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of spinal canal
Discs weaken, bone spurs grow, ligaments thicken, squeezing nerves
Lumbar Stenosis
Lower back canal narrowing
Causes leg heaviness, pain while walking, relief when sitting
Cervical Stenosis
Neck canal narrowing
Causes arm/hand clumsiness, numbness, weakness, balance loss
Scoliosis
Abnormal spine curve
Can be lifelong (idiopathic) or develop with age (degenerative)
Combined Problem
Stenosis + Curve together
Curved spine narrows canal unevenly, creating complex compression
Neurogenic Claudication
Classic stenosis symptom pattern
Leg pain/heaviness while standing or walking, relief when sitting
Classic Symptoms
Symptoms depend on location (lumbar vs cervical) and severity. Early recognition allows treatment before disability occurs.
Leg heaviness while walking
Pain that improves when sitting
Hand clumsiness or numbness
Imbalance or unsteady gait
Progressive posture change
Asymmetric leg weakness
🚨 Seek Urgent Care If You Experience:
Progressive leg weakness getting worse daily
Foot drop (can't lift the front of your foot)
Numbness in saddle area (buttocks, groin, inner thighs)
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Severe imbalance affecting mobility and safety
Rapidly worsening deformity or pain
How We Diagnose
Multiple imaging studies show different information. Dr. Narula correlates findings with your symptoms to identify what's causing your pain.
MRI Imaging
Shows soft tissues, nerve compression, disc condition, and canal narrowing.
CT Scans
Reveals bone detail, fusion extent needed, and structural integrity.
X-Rays
Assesses curve severity, stability, and bone alignment.
Key Point: Not every stenosis or curve causes pain. Dr. Narula matches imaging findings with your clinical symptoms and exam to determine whether your problems need surgery—and what kind.
Conservative Treatment First
Many patients improve significantly without surgery. Tailored conservative care addresses your specific pattern.
Physical Therapy
- Core strengthening exercises
- Extension-based movements (for lumbar stenosis)
- Flexibility and posture correction
- Activity modification guidance
Medications
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Neuropathic pain medications
- Muscle relaxants for spasm
- Pain management as needed
Interventional Options
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet joint injections
- Selective nerve root blocks
- Targeted symptom relief
When Surgery May Be Right
After 8-12 weeks of conservative care, if disabling symptoms persist or neurological problems progress, surgery may restore function.
Disabling leg or arm pain after 8-12 weeks conservative care
Progressive neurological weakness despite treatment
Progressive walking distance decline
Progressive deformity affecting function
Clear imaging correlation with symptoms
Failed conservative treatment with imaging confirmation
Surgical Options
The approach depends on stenosis severity, curve severity, instability, and your goals.
Decompression Alone
Removing bone spurs, ligament, disc
When Recommended
Simple stenosis without significant curve instability
Benefits
Decompression + Fusion
Decompressing nerves while stabilizing spine with rods/screws
When Recommended
Complex stenosis with scoliosis or instability
Benefits
Minimally Invasive Techniques
When appropriate, smaller incisions reduce tissue damage and speed recovery.
Microscopic Decompression
Precision visualization of nerves
Endoscopic Techniques
Smaller incision, less tissue trauma
Percutaneous Fusion
Targeted screw placement through small portals
Muscle-Sparing Approaches
Reduced post-operative pain and recovery
Recovery Timeline
Most patients recover faster than expected. Walking and activity gradually improve as healing progresses.
Walking and gentle mobilization
Desk work and light activities resume
Return to most normal activities
Heavy lifting and sports clearance
Return to Activities
Desk Work
1-2 weeksMost patients resume office work early
Light Activity
2-4 weeksGentle exercise and normal daily tasks
Full Activity
4-6 weeksReturn to normal routine and recreation
Heavy Lifting
6-8 weeksGradual progression with proper form
Sports/Gym
8-12 weeksGradually return with medical clearance
Follow-Up Care
OngoingPhysical therapy strengthens core and maintains stability
What You Should Expect
Success Rates
80-85% of properly selected patients experience significant pain relief and improved walking distance after surgery.
Adjacent Segment Disease
After fusion, spinal levels above and below may develop changes over 5-10 years. Most manageable conservatively; revision rarely needed.
Long-Term Success
Core strengthening, good posture, staying active, and regular follow-up imaging maintain stability and prevent recurrent problems.
Patient Questions
Do I definitely need surgery?
No. Many patients improve with conservative care (PT, injections, medication). Surgery is considered after conservative care fails or if neurological symptoms progress despite treatment.
What's the difference between stenosis and scoliosis?
Stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal (like a pinched nerve tube). Scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine itself. They often occur together and complicate each other, requiring careful evaluation.
Will my curve get worse?
Adult degenerative scoliosis typically progresses slowly. Fusion surgery can prevent further curve progression. Without surgery, curves may worsen over years, especially if stenosis worsens neurological symptoms.
How long does stenosis surgery recovery take?
Simple decompression: 2-4 weeks for walking, 6-8 weeks for normal activity. Decompression-fusion: 4-6 weeks walking, 8-12 weeks normal activity. Full recovery, including core strength, takes 3-6 months.
Can I avoid fusion?
If stenosis alone is the problem, sometimes decompression without fusion works. If scoliosis is significant or the spine is unstable, fusion prevents recurrent symptoms and curve progression. Dr. Narula avoids unnecessary fusion but won't under-treat.
What if I have adhesions or prior surgery?
Prior surgery complicates reoperation because scar tissue (adhesions) makes dissection difficult and risky. Imaging and careful planning assess feasibility. Some patients benefit from minimally invasive revision; others require careful open revision.
Don't Let Spine Problems Limit Your Life
Whether you need conservative care or surgical evaluation, Dr. Narula provides evidence-based treatment tailored to your spine problem. Bring your imaging to your consultation.
Bring your reports. Leave with clarity.
For brain, spine and nerve concerns, connect through a phone call or visit the clinic with MRI/CT reports and previous prescriptions.
+91 97723 48065
C-6, C Block, Sector 34, Noida