Spinal stenosis develops when the spaces within the spine narrow abnormally. This places pressure on the adjacent nerves, resulting in back and neck pain and sciatica.

SYMPTOMS

Many people with spinal stenosis experience no symptoms at all.

When symptoms are present, they include:

  • Numbness or tingling in a foot, hand, arm, or leg
  • Neck or back pain
  • Weakness in a hand, arm, foot or leg
  • Difficulty walking

WHAT CAUSES SPINAL STENOSIS?

Spinal stenosis is most common in people over the age of 50.

The condition is often caused by:

  • Bone spurs due to osteoarthritis
  • Injury to the spine
  • Slipped vertebra/disc (Spondylolisthesis)
  • Thickened ligaments
  • Herniated discs

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THE DIAGNOSIS: WHAT TO EXPECT

Our physicians can make a diagnosis of spinal stenosis from imaging tests that allow us to visualize the narrowed areas and surrounding structures.

Depending on your symptoms, we may order the following:

X-ray

An X-ray can identify bone spurs that are causing spinal stenosis.

MRI

An MRI can help us detect tumors, as well as ligament and disc damage.

CT Scan

A CT scan can visualize the spinal cord and nerves, as well as help us identify herniated discs, tumors, and bone spurs.

OUR TREATMENT APPROACH

There are many treatment options available for spinal stenosis, depending on the extent and severity of your symptoms.

They include:

Medications

Pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, antidepressants and more can help ease symptoms.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can improve flexibility, strength, endurance and balance after a spinal stenosis diagnosis.

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections can temporarily relieve some of the pain and inflammation associated with this condition.

Surgery

Surgery is typically recommended once all other treatment approaches have failed.

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