Treating Spinal Stenosis

When the spaces between your spine narrow, it causes spinal stenosis. This can then cause pressure on the nerves throughout the spine, leading to nerve pain, numbness, and/or tingling. Spinal stenosis is most often found in the neck or lower back. Integrated Pain Consultants specializes in back pain and offers a number of treatments, including conservative and alternative therapies. We also invite you to learn more about Dr. Nikesh Seth and other providers including Dr. Anne-Marie Cosijns, Dr. Lisa Sparks, Dr. Michael Givens, and our team of Nurse Practitioners.

It’s possible for a person to have spinal stenosis and no symptoms. Others may experience a varying degree of pain as well as muscle weakness. Over time, the symptoms tend to worsen. This is likely because spinal stenosis is usually caused by wear and tear of the spine and/or osteoarthritis. Both continue to build up as we age. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to build extra space for the nerves and spinal cord. However, the earlier spinal stenosis is diagnosed and treated, the more likely a patient is to avoid surgery.

TYPES OF SPINAL STENOSIS

There are two types of spinal stenosis, depending on where the issue is in the body. Cervical stenosis occurs in the neck (cervical spine). Lumbar stenosis occurs in the lower back and is the most common type of stenosis. Usually, a CT scan or MRI is required for diagnosis, and these are helpful when a person doesn’t have symptoms.

It’s important to keep in mind that the symptoms don’t always take place in the damaged area. For instance, you may have tingling in your neck or your hand, leg, arm, or foot as well as neck pain. Issues with balance and walking can also be a sign of cervical stenosis. Severe cervical stenosis can also lead to incontinence. For lumbar stenosis, weakness or numbness in the foot or leg, back pain, or leg cramps when standing for long periods of time may occur.

Causes of spinal stenosis can include bone spurs on the spine or herniated disks. Some people are simply born with a smaller spinal canal, making them more likely to experience spinal stenosis. A bone overgrowth, particularly from osteoarthritis, may also be a cause. Paget’s disease is another perpetrator. From thickened ligaments to tumors and spinal injuries from a trauma, there are a number of potential causes of spinal stenosis.

TREATMENTS FOR SPINAL STENOSIS

There are many treatments available for spinal stenosis including spinal cord stimulation. Call Integrated Pain Consultants today at 480-626-2552 and learn more about alternative treatments, from epidural steroid injections to nerve blockers.