Conditions We Treat
Spinal Stenosis
Most back pain stems from overexertion or relatively minor conditions that heal with time. Spinal stenosis, however, may cause nerve compression that can't resolve without medical intervention. There's no need to live with back pain.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
The spinal cord travels through a canal formed by the vertebrae through the spinal column. When this canal is narrowed by changes to the bone tissue of the spine, the nerves of the spinal cord may become irritated. This most often occurs in the neck and lower back, called cervical and lumbar stenosis, respectively.
The most common risk factor for spinal stenosis is age. It typically affects those over 50, although the reasons for the condition vary. The most common causes are:
Bone Growths
Osteoarthritis and Paget's disease are two causes of bone overgrowth.
Spinal Injuries
Dislocations and fractures can contribute.
Herniated Discs
Ruptures to the spine's cushioning discs may restrict space.
Aging Ligaments
Ligaments may thicken and harden over time.
Tumors
Abnormal growths in the spine can put pressure on nerves.
What Symptoms Can I Experience?
There may be no symptoms in the early stages of the condition, even if there's evidence of stenosis on medical imaging. When symptoms begin, these tend to grow in severity over time.
Cervical Stenosis
- Tingling or numbness, usually in one limb, either arm, hand, leg, or foot
- Weakness in one limb
- Neck pain
- Difficulty balancing or walking
- Problems with bladder or bowel control
Lumbar Stenosis
- Weakness, tingling, and numbness in the legs and feet
- Local pain in the lower back
- Cramping in one or both legs while standing for an extended time, usually relieved by sitting or bending forward
How Can Spinal Stenosis Be Treated?
The location of the stenosis often affects treatment. When symptoms are minor or absent, your caregiver may advise further monitoring along with physical therapy and self-care exercises. If symptoms become more intense, medications may be prescribed. Steroid injections may also relieve the swelling causing nerve compression. When thickened ligaments in the lumbar area cause the problem, a procedure called percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression may be effective.
Surgery Is a Last Resort
Surgery is generally a last-resort option. Statistically, spinal stenosis surgery has a better chance of success when done by the most experienced surgeons.
Request an appointment and our doctors will assess your case and match treatment to it.
Your Treatment Path
Care That Escalates Only If Needed
Treatment depends on the location and severity of your stenosis.
Monitoring and Therapy
When symptoms are minor or absent: further monitoring, physical therapy, and self-care exercises.
Medications
If symptoms become more intense, medications may be prescribed.
Injections and Decompression
Steroid injections relieve swelling; image-guided lumbar decompression can address thickened ligaments.
Surgery, If Needed
A last-resort option, with the best chance of success in the most experienced hands.
Keep Exploring
Related Conditions and Treatments
Spinal stenosis often connects to these conditions and procedures.
Don't Live With Nerve Compression
Our doctors have the experience and know-how to assess and treat your case, starting conservative and escalating only if needed. Urgent, same-day appointments are often available.