Expert Care for Spinal Stenosis
Advanced Treatment for Narrowing of the Spine
Spinal stenosis causes narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. We offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment solutions.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck.
Some people with spinal stenosis may not have symptoms. Others may experience pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness. Symptoms can worsen over time.
What Causes It?
The spine consists of a column of bones (vertebrae). An opening in each bone creates a continuous tube (spinal canal) that protects the spinal cord. Some people are born with a small spinal canal. But most spinal stenosis occurs when something happens to narrow the open space within the spine.
- Overgrowth of bone: Wear and tear damage from osteoarthritis on your spinal bones can prompt the formation of bone spurs, which can grow into the spinal canal.
- Herniated disks: The soft cushions that act as shock absorbers between your vertebrae tend to dry out with age. Cracks in a disk's exterior may allow some of the soft inner material to escape and press on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Thickened ligaments: The tough cords that help hold the bones of your spine together can become stiff and thickened over time.
- Spinal injuries: Car accidents and other trauma can cause dislocations or fractures of one or more vertebrae.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
To diagnose spinal stenosis, your doctor may ask you about signs and symptoms, discuss your medical history, and conduct a physical examination. He or she may order several imaging tests to help pinpoint the cause of your signs and symptoms.
- X-rays: An X-ray of your back can reveal bony changes, such as bone spurs that may be narrowing the space within the spinal canal.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI can detect damage to your disks and ligaments, as well as the presence of tumors.
- CT or CT myelogram: If you can't have an MRI, your doctor may recommend a computed tomography (CT) scan.
Treatment Options
Conservative Care
If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend self-care measures. If these don't work, he or she may recommend medications or physical therapy.
- Medications: Pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs.
- Physical therapy: To build up your strength and endurance, maintain the flexibility and stability of your spine, and improve your balance.
- Steroid injections: Injecting a corticosteroid medication into the space around the impingement can help reduce the inflammation and relieve some of the pressure.
Surgical & Minimally Invasive Options
Surgery may be considered if other treatments haven't helped or if you're disabled by your symptoms. The goal of surgery is to relieve the pressure on your spinal cord or nerve roots by creating more space within the spinal canal.
Surgical options include:
- Laminectomy: Removes the back part (lamina) of the affected vertebra to ease pressure on the nerves.
- Minimally Invasive Decompression: A procedure that removes a portion of the thickened ligament in the back of the spinal column to increase space.
- Spinal Fusion: If your spine is unstable, fusion may be performed to link two or more vertebrae together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Dr. Bidiwala?
- Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
- Minimally Invasive Specialist
- 20+ Years Experience
- 15-year D Magazine Best Doctor
Common Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in a hand, arm, foot or leg
- Weakness in a hand, arm, foot or leg
- Problems with walking and balance
- Neck pain or back pain
- Pain or cramping in one or both legs when you stand for long periods of time or when you walk
When to See a Specialist
You should consult a specialist if you experience:
- Progressive leg weakness or numbness
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (a medical emergency)
- Pain that significantly limits your daily activities
Ready to Find Relief?
Don't let spine pain control your life. Schedule a consultation to explore personalized treatment options tailored to your specific condition.