Lumbar Stenosis Surgery

Medically reviewed by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — dual board-certified spine surgeon & neurosurgeon. Last reviewed October 2026.

Lumbar spinal stenosis narrows the canal in the lower back and crowds the nerves, causing the leg pain, heaviness, and numbness that make standing and walking difficult. When conservative care isn't enough, decompression surgery reopens that space — and for most patients, restores comfortable walking.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

How Lumbar Decompression Relieves Stenosis

Procedure Overview

Lumbar stenosis surgery relieves pressure on the nerves in the lower back by removing the bone, thickened ligament, or disc material narrowing the canal — most often with a laminectomy or targeted decompression. The goal is to reopen the space the nerves need while preserving as much stability as possible, so you can stand and walk comfortably again.

Conditions We Treat

Am I a Candidate?

Surgery is considered when lumbar stenosis limits how far you can walk, is progressing, or causes leg weakness — and conservative care and epidural injections haven't resolved it. Imaging confirms the narrowing and levels. When decompression could destabilize the spine, it may be combined with a fusion — or, for select patients, a motion-preserving Coflex device — but only when needed.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

Benefits & Risks

Expected Outcomes

Lumbar decompression is highly effective for stenosis — most patients regain the ability to stand and walk comfortably, often soon after surgery, with continued improvement as the nerves recover. Results depend on how long the nerves were compressed, which is why timely treatment matters. We set clear, honest expectations.

Life Beyond the Pain

How It's Performed

Under general anesthesia, through a small, muscle-sparing incision whenever possible, the bone and thickened ligament crowding the nerves are carefully removed to reopen the canal. The nerves are confirmed to be decompressed before closing. As both a spine surgeon and neurosurgeon, Dr. Greenwald does this with the precision operating around the nerves requires.

Recovery & Return to Activity

Minimally invasive, muscle-sparing techniques — used whenever your anatomy allows — typically mean a smaller incision, less pain, and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery. Your timeline depends on the number of levels treated and your overall health.

Insurance, Out-of-Network & Cost

Cost and coverage shouldn't stand between you and relief. Desert Spine and Pain welcomes out-of-network patients and will walk you through what your evaluation and treatment are likely to involve before anything is scheduled — so there are no surprises. We'll help you understand your benefits and options, whether you're using insurance, paying out-of-pocket, or being treated under a personal-injury claim.

Proudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area

Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix

Choosing the right spine specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a spine doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.

Lumbar Stenosis Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions