Spinal Stenosis
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is the term used to describe the narrowing of the spaces within the spine.
Your spinal cord runs from your neck to your lower back. The bones of your spine (also known as the vertebrae) form a canal that protects your spinal nerves.
Spinal stenosis occurs when something causes the narrowing of this canal, leading to compression of the spinal cord. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including bone spurs, tumors, herniated discs, and thickened ligaments.
What are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?
Symptoms could vary, depending on the area that’s being affected.
If the compression occurs at the neck (the cervical spine), there can be:
• Numbness or tingling sensation that can be felt in your arm, hand, leg, or foot
• Weakness in your arm, hand, leg, or foot
• Neck pain
• Walking and balance issues
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction (in severe cases)
If the compression affects the lower back (the lumbar spine), there can:
• Numbness or tingling sensation that can be felt in your leg or foot
• Weakness in your leg or foot
• Pain or cramping in one or both legs when standing for long periods of time or when walking (this may be relieved by bending forward or sitting)
• Back pain
How is Spinal Stenosis Treated?
The treatment plan can also vary, depending on the location and severity.
If the symptoms are mild, we usually start with continuous monitoring and physical therapy. If it worsens, we may start prescribing medications.
In cases of spinal stenosis caused by a thickened ligament, a procedure called percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression can help. It involves the use of needle-like instruments to remove a portion of the thickened ligament. This procedure increases the canal space and consequently, relieves the nerve pressure.
Surgeries are often the last line of treatment for spinal stenosis. This is only recommended when conservative treatments are showing little or no improvements at all.
If the back pain from your spinal stenosis keeps you from doing what you enjoy, call us. Our specialists will assess your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment.
Request an appointment by calling (772) 288-2400 or by visiting our appointment page here.