What is the outlook for someone with spinal stenosis?

It is entirely possible to live a full life and remain reasonably active when suffering from spinal stenosis.

Modifications and careful considerations can make the world of difference. Successful decompression surgery (success rates are as high as 80%) is currently the best means of treatment for symptom relief (improving back and leg pain, as well as walking ability). In general, those who opt for surgical intervention fair well and are able to increase their activity levels once a full recovery is made. The majority manage a much-improved walking tolerance level following surgery too. Some may not experience as much relief, with symptoms returning within a few years, requiring a follow-up / second surgical procedure.

Prolonged stenosis which is only treated once severe may require more frequent medical interventions in order to be effectively managed. The presence of other medical conditions, such as arthritis (which is also progressive in nature) can also influence symptoms or lead to the development of new ones down the line (even if a successful surgery has been performed), making a person’s overall condition a little trickier to manage.