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. This narrowing most commonly occurs in the lower back (lumbar stenosis) and the neck (cervical stenosis).
While some people are born with a small spinal canal, spinal stenosis is most often caused by age-related changes in the spine. As we age, the spinal canal can narrow due to thickening ligaments, bone spurs, herniated discs, or arthritis.
The condition typically develops gradually over time. Many people with spinal stenosis may not have symptoms initially, but as the narrowing progresses, nerve compression can lead to pain, weakness, and other symptoms.
Signs & Symptoms
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (Lower Back)
- Pain or cramping in the legs when standing or walking (neurogenic claudication)
- Relief when sitting down or leaning forward
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
- Weakness in the legs
- Lower back pain
- Difficulty walking long distances
Cervical Spinal Stenosis (Neck)
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
- Weakness in the hands or arms
- Problems with balance and coordination
- In severe cases, bowel or bladder dysfunction
How is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?
Dr. Rastegar uses several diagnostic tools to confirm spinal stenosis and determine its severity:
- Medical History & Physical Exam: Evaluating your symptoms, reflexes, strength, and walking ability
- MRI: Shows detailed images of the spinal canal, nerves, and soft tissues
- X-rays: Reveals bone spurs and structural changes
- CT Scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the spine
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment
Dr. Rastegar always begins with conservative treatment approaches:
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and maintain spine health
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief
- Activity Modification: Adjusting daily activities to reduce symptoms
- Assistive Devices: Cane or walker to improve stability
Surgical Treatment
When conservative treatments don't provide adequate relief, Dr. Rastegar offers minimally invasive surgical options:
- Laminectomy: Removing part of the vertebra to create more space for nerves
- Laminotomy: A less extensive version of laminectomy
- Spinal Fusion: If there's instability, fusing vertebrae for stability
- Minimally Invasive Decompression: Using smaller incisions and advanced techniques
Why Choose Dr. Rastegar?
Expert Diagnosis
Comprehensive evaluation to determine the exact cause and severity of your stenosis
Minimally Invasive Focus
Advanced surgical techniques resulting in less pain and faster recovery
Comprehensive Care
From diagnosis through recovery, coordinated treatment every step of the way
Frequently Asked Questions
Can spinal stenosis be cured?
While spinal stenosis cannot be "cured" in the sense of reversing age-related changes, symptoms can be effectively managed with treatment. Surgery can provide significant relief by creating more space for the nerves.
What happens if spinal stenosis is left untreated?
Untreated spinal stenosis can lead to worsening pain, increasing difficulty with walking and daily activities, and progressive weakness. In severe cases, it can cause permanent nerve damage. Early treatment can prevent these complications.
How successful is surgery for spinal stenosis?
Surgical decompression for spinal stenosis has a high success rate, with most patients experiencing significant improvement in leg pain and walking ability. Dr. Rastegar will discuss expected outcomes based on your specific condition.
Is spinal stenosis the same as a herniated disc?
No, though they can occur together. A herniated disc is when disc material pushes out and compresses a nerve. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal itself, which can be caused by bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or disc problems.