treatments

Spinal Stenosis

What is Spinal Stenosis ?

Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of your spinal canal which puts pressure on your spinal nerves.

Spinal Stenosis occurs most often in the lower back (Lumbar Spinal Stenosis) but can also occur in the neck (Cervical Spinal Stenosis)

Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (Lower Back)

Some people with spinal stenosis may not have any symptoms. Others may experience one or more of the following symptoms:


Lumbar Spinal Stenosis symptoms are usually worse when you stand or walk and usually feels better when you lean on a shopping cart, sit, or lie down. Patients suffering with this condition have a hard time standing completely upright and tend to bend or stoop forward as they stand and walk.

Symptoms of Cervical Spinal Stenosis (Neck)

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by wear-and-tear changes in the spine as you age.
Herniated discs or thickened spinal ligaments can cause stenosis, but it usually occurs as a result of arthritis and wear and tear from the aging process. Arthritis can produce bone spurs, which can also cause stenosis.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Diagnosis

A full spine evaluation is best to assess spinal stenosis and plan treatment. Tests may include X-Rays which can reveal bony changes such as bone spurs narrowing the spinal canal. MRI can detect damage to your ligaments and discs. A CT can be done if you can’t have an MRI.

Treatment

Once you’ve developed spinal stenosis, it’s important to receive proper treatment. This is a condition that won’t go away on its own, and the symptoms do worsen over time. Treatment options Include: