In two studies, outcome predictors for lumbar spinal stenosis surgery shows a distinct initial improvement in activities of daily living and decreased pain the first four years following surgical intervention. However, these good effects begin to gradually deteriorate over year 5, 6 and 7; until by year 8, these randomized controlled groups, are nearly indistinguishable, with respect to symptoms.
According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Jon Lurie, “This may not fundamentally change how the process of shared decision-making should happen, but it adds new information to that process. For spinal stenosis, the pros and cons of surgery are very individual and related to the severity of the disease and the limitations of the individual, what the individual likes to do, and how well he or she is able to manage disease symptoms.”
Surgery versus physical therapy for treating lumbar spinal stenosis