Last updated: 24.03.2026 | Reading time: approx. 5 Min.
Table of Contents
Overview of Key Points:
- Causes: pinal stenosis results from a narrowing of the spinal canal and leads to back pain, numbness, tingling, or a significantly reduced walking distance.
- Diagnosis and treatment of spinal stenosis: At SPORTambulatorium Vienna, by spine specialist and neurosurgeon Dr. Julia Reinhart
- Conservative treatment: Milder forms can also be treated conservatively, e.g., with physical therapy, pain management, and injections
- Surgical treatment methods for spinal canal stenosis in Vienna: If surgery is indicated, it is performed by Dr. Julia Reinhart at the Confraternität Private Clinic
Research findings: Current studies show that surgical interventions for spinal canal stenosis are more effective in the long term than conservative measures.
Spinal stenosis, also known as spinal canal stenosis, is a narrowing of the spinal canal through which the spinal cord and nerve roots pass. This narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves branching off from it, which can lead to pain, numbness, weakness, and other neurological symptoms. The most common causes are degenerative changes in the spine, such as osteoarthritis, herniated discs, and bone growth into the spinal canal, where nerves become compressed.
At the SPORTambulatorium Wien , we combine precise diagnostics, conservative treatment methods and – where necessary – minimally invasive surgical procedures to provide long-term relief from your symptoms. Treatment is provided by our interdisciplinary team and by our spine specialist Dr Julia Reinhart, a consultant in neurosurgery.
Symptoms: How does spinal stenosis manifest itself?
A characteristic sign is a significantly reduced walking distance: Some people have to stop after just a few hundred meters due to the discomfort. This phenomenon is colloquially referred to as “intermittent claudication” and is unfortunately often mistakenly dismissed as a normal sign of aging.
Other typical symptoms of spinal stenosis:
- Pain in the back and/or neck
- Leg pain, tingling, or numbness (symptoms often worsen when walking and improve when sitting or bending forward)
- Weakness in the legs or arms
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)
Spinal Canal Stenosis: Conservative Treatment Options at SPORTambulatorium Vienna
Not every case of spinal canal stenosis requires immediate surgery. Often, the condition can be stabilized or temporarily improved. Conservative treatment methods include:
- Physical therapy & exercise therapy: targeted strengthening of the core stabilizing muscles
- Infiltrations and epidural injections
- Acupuncture
- Pain management
- Movement and gait analysis
- Adjustment of daily activity levels and exercise management, as well as lifestyle changes
Conservative treatment is particularly appropriate when:
- the symptoms are not yet severe
- there are no neurological deficits
- daily activities and mobility are only moderately limited
However, if these measures do not lead to lasting improvement, surgery should be considered.
Spinal Stenosis Surgery: When Is Surgery Recommended?
The decision to undergo surgery is always made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the severity of your symptoms, your general state of health and the results of imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans. Our experienced spinal surgeon, Dr Reinhart , will recommend the best course of action for you.
Surgery may be necessary in the following cases:
- Severe symptoms: Severe pain that cannot be relieved by conservative measures (see above).
- Neurological deficits: Increasing weakness, numbness, or loss of function in the legs or arms.
- Impaired quality of life: Limitations in daily life due to pain and other symptoms.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control: A sign of cauda equina syndrome, a serious complication that requires immediate surgical treatment!
Surgery for Cervical and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Differences and Objectives
Spinal stenosis can occur in both the cervical spine (C-spine) and the lumbar spine (L-spine). Although the cause—narrowing of the spinal canal—is the same in both cases, symptoms, surgical approaches, and techniques differ significantly depending on the affected region. Precise anatomical localization is therefore crucial for the correct treatment
Surgery for Cervical Spinal Stenosis
In cases of stenosis in the cervical spine, the procedure is typically performed through a small incision at the front of the neck. The affected intervertebral disc or bony narrowing is removed and replaced with a stabilizing cage to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
The surgery usually takes about 1.5 hours per segment treated. Follow-up examinations are scheduled after 4–6 weeks and again after approximately six months, usually in conjunction with current X-rays of the cervical spine.
Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Surgery on the lumbar spine is performed using a minimally invasive approach through a small skin incision. Under the surgical microscope, thickened ligaments, bony spurs, or portions of the intervertebral discs are removed to restore sufficient space for the compressed nerves.
The small incision ensures that muscles and joints are spared, mobility is preserved (no routine spinal fusion), and the spinous processes and posterior ligaments of the spine are preserved.
The surgery takes approximately one to two hours per level. Stitches are removed after 10–14 days, with follow-up visits scheduled after 4–6 weeks and six months.
Spinal Stenosis Surgery at the Confraternität Private Clinic: Surgical Partnership with SPORTambulatorium
As a private practice with surgical partnerships at the Confraternität Private Clinic, SPORTambulatorium Wien takes care of all the planning for your spinal stenosis surgery. Should surgery be indicated, we will provide you with comprehensive information on the procedure, the technique and the process during your visit. The procedure is performed using a minimally invasive technique by our neurosurgeon Dr Julia Reinhart at the Confraternität Private Clinic.
Medical History and Findings
Treatment begins with a detailed initial consultation with Dr Julia Reinhart at the Sportambulatorium Wien. During this consultation, your symptoms, previous medical history and imaging results will be discussed together. Appointments can be easily booked at online.
Information and Surgical Planning
If surgery is indicated, you will receive a comprehensive explanation of the procedure, the technique, and the process. The SPORTambulatorium Wien will handle all the organizational details for you—from scheduling the appointment to administrative preparations.
Surgery Date and Hospital Stay
A surgery date can usually be scheduled within two to three weeks, and often even sooner. Before the procedure, your anesthesiologist will contact you by phone to discuss all relevant details regarding the anesthesia.
Admission to the Confraternität Private Clinic usually takes place on the day of the surgery. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically involves a short stay of about three nights. Most patients are able to get out of bed and move around freely as early as the day after surgery.
Immediately afterward, you will receive physical therapy instructions and exercises to support you during the first few weeks.
Follow-up Care and Rehabilitation
Sutures are removed approximately 10 to 14 days after the procedure at the Sports Outpatient Clinic. Further follow-up appointments are scheduled after 4 to 6 weeks and again after about six months.
Physical therapy rehabilitation should begin approximately four weeks after the operation to optimally restore mobility, strength, and stability.
Research Findings: What Are the Prospects for Success After Surgery for Spinal Stenosis?
Most patients report a significant improvement and return to normal walking distance, as well as freedom from pain, shortly after the procedure – even in old age. As demonstrated in studies, long-term improvement in symptoms or freedom from symptoms is also evident in everyday clinical practice following surgery – this is clearly shown by the results of the largest prospective randomised controlled trial comparing surgery with conservative treatment [Weinstein J, Tosteson T, Lurie J, Tosteson A, Blood E, Hanscom B et al. Surgical versus Nonsurgical Therapy for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;358(8):794-810].
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Stenosis
Where can I have spinal stenosis surgery in Vienna?
Spinal stenosis should be treated at a specialist centre with extensive experience in spinal surgery and interdisciplinary medical care. At the SPORTambulatorium Wien , you will be looked after by our spinal specialist Dr Julia Reinhart, who specialises in minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures.
If surgery is required, it will be performed by Dr Reinhart at the renowned Confraternität Private Clinic – in an environment that guarantees the highest surgical standards and optimal post-operative care.
Why does spinal stenosis develop?
Mostly due to natural wear and tear: Intervertebral discs lose height, ligaments thicken, and joints form additional bone tissue. This causes the spinal canal to narrow.
Warum ist bei einer Wirbelkanalstenose das Bergabgehen erschwert?
When walking downhill, the lower back arches more, which further narrows the canal.
Does physical therapy help with spinal stenosis?
In early stages: yes. In advanced cases: often only to a limited extent, since the narrowing remains structural and thus continues to put pressure on the nerves even with strong muscles.
How long will I be out of work after spinal stenosis surgery?
Typically 4–6 weeks—depending on physical activity and pre-existing conditions.
Is spinal fusion always necessary?
No. Fusion (screw fixation) is only necessary in cases of spinal instability and affects fewer than 5% of patients.
Can spinal stenosis progress?
Yes, if left untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage. That’s why early evaluation is important!
