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Spinal Stenosis

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces inside a patient’s spinal column become more narrow, putting pressure on the nerves inside and causing pain. If a patient has the symptoms of spinal stenosis, Dr. Jon Gottlieb can evaluate the patient and confirm the diagnosis. He can also recommend treatments that may be beneficial.

Appointment

What is spinal stenosis?

The spinal cord is a long, thin bundle of nerves that passes through the center of the vertebrae in your spine. Spinal stenosis is a common but painful condition that develops when the openings in the vertebrae begin to narrow, which compresses the nerves inside.

Spinal stenosis is most common in the lower back, but it can occur in the neck as well.

Spinal stenosis can have several possible causes, including:

  • Spinal traumas that fracture or dislocate the vertebrae

  • Tumors in the spine

  • Thickened spinal ligaments

  • Herniated discs

  • Bone spurs

The symptoms of spinal stenosis depend on the location of the problem. If you have spinal stenosis in your lower back, you may notice numbness, weakness, or tingling in one of your legs or feet. You may also have cramping or pain in one or both of your legs when you stand for a long time or when you walk. This pain will typically get better when you sit down or bend forward. If you have spinal stenosis in your neck, you may notice numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet. You may also have neck pain and problems with walking or balance.
Dr. Gottlieb will often suspect spinal stenosis based on the results of your physical exam, as well as your description of your symptoms. However, to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other issues, Dr. Gottlieb may also order imaging tests to look at your spine.

Several different treatments are available to improve the symptoms of spinal stenosis. These treatments include:

  • Medication – Certain medications, such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, may help with your symptoms.

  • Physical therapy – Physical therapy can improve the integrity and strength of your spine so you experience fewer problems in the future.

  • Steroid injections – Steroid injections can bring down inflammation and relieve pain for some patients.

  • Surgery – Surgical procedures can help with some cases of spinal stenosis by increasing the space in the spinal canal and reducing pressure on nerves.

For further information on your condition, please refer to this link:

www.aaos.org