Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, often caused by degenerative changes in the vertebrae and surrounding structures, that can pinch nerves painfully. If you have back pain and want an accurate diagnosis, Bart Gatz, MD, and the team at American Interventional Pain Institute in Greenacres, Florida, can help. Call 561-641-0089 to request a consultation.
What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal narrows, most often with age. Over the years, wear on the discs that cushion the vertebrae makes them less effective, and pressure on the spine increases.
Pressure on the facet joints leaves less room for nerves to pass through the spinal canal, causing pain and other symptoms. Arthritis can make it worse: as cartilage wears down, the ends of the bones rub together, adding pain and inflammation.
Bone spurs can also form as the body tries to support weakened vertebrae, but they tend to narrow the canal further. Paget's disease of bone, herniated discs, spinal tumors and some spinal injuries can also cause spinal stenosis.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis
- Lower back pain
- Pain in the hips, buttocks and one or both legs
- A heavy feeling in the legs
- Weakness, tingling or cramping
The pain comes from pressure on the bundle of nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord (the cauda equina), a condition called neurogenic claudication. Symptoms tend to get worse when you walk and better when you sit. Leaning forward often helps because it eases pressure on the nerves.
How spinal stenosis is treated
The main goal of treatment is to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. Treatments that help include:
- Physical therapy
- Stretching exercises
- Therapeutic massage
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Steroid injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
Most people with spinal stenosis respond well to these conservative treatments. In some cases, decompression or laminectomy surgery is needed to relieve persistent symptoms.
If you have symptoms of spinal stenosis or other back pain, call 561-641-0089 to schedule a consultation.