Spinal Stenosis
Overview
The spinal column contains open spaces that create passageways for the spinal cord and the spinal nerves. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of (or an intrusion into) these openings. This can cause a compression of the nerves. Spinal stenosis most commonly affects the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine.
Anatomy
Each vertebra has a large opening at the rear called the spinal canal. In the cervical and thoracic regions of the spine, the spinal cord travels through this space. In the lumbar region of the spine, this opening contains a bundle of nerve roots. Openings called foramina branch away from the spinal canal. These spaces provide pathways for the nerve roots that travel from the spine to other parts of the body.
Stenosis
In a spine with stenosis, one or more of these openings are narrowed. The spinal nerves can become compressed against the vertebral bone. This can interfere with nerve function. It can cause pain in the spine or in other parts of the body.
Causes
Stenosis is commonly caused by an excess growth of bone around the spinal nerves. This excess bone growth often results from osteoarthritis. Stenosis can also result from a dislocation or a fracture of the vertebral bone. Stenosis can be caused by soft tissue intruding into the spine’s open spaces. Herniated discs, tumors, and thickened spinal ligaments can press against the spinal nerves. And in some cases, a person is born with a small spinal canal that does not provide enough room for the spinal nerves.
Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the location and severity of the problem. Spinal stenosis can cause pain, weakness, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs. Spinal stenosis in the lower back commonly causes sciatica, a sensation of burning pain that can travel through the buttocks and down the legs. Spinal stenosis can also cause problems with control of the bladder and bowels.
Treatment
Treatment options for spinal stenosis may include anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants and medications to relieve pain. Steroid injections may be beneficial. A physician may also recommend physical therapy. If these methods are not effective, surgery may be needed to eliminate pressure on the nerves.
TYPES OF PAIN WE TREAT
GASTROINTESTINAL
EAR, NOSE AND THROAT
GENERAL HEALTH
Herniated Disk
Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)
Osteoarthritus of the Knee
Osteoporosis
Trigger Point Injections
Where Lower Back Pain Begins
Where Neck Pain Begins
Whiplash
Brain and Mental Health
Depression
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Post-Whiplash Headache
Stroke
Substance Abuse
Traumatic Brain Injury
Occipital Neuralgia (Arnolds Neuralgia)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Substance Dependence
Tension Headache
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Diabetes Conditions
Diabetic Foot
Hyperglycemia (High Blood Glucose) and Diabetes
Hyperglycemia (Low Blood Glucose) and Diabetes
Prediabetes
Diabetes (Type 2)
Diabetes Treatments
Diabetes and Foot Care
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Diabetes and Healthy Eating
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Digestive and Urinary Systems Conditions
Heart, Blood and Blood Vessel Conditions
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Infectious Diseases
Lung Conditions
Asthma
Bronchitis
COPD
Emphysema
Medications
Opioids Medications
Opioids (Common Side Effects)
Opioids (Dependence and Addiction)
Opioids and Chronic Pain Management
Using Opioids Safely
Sleep Disorders
Insomnia
Restless Leg Syndrome
Sleep Apnea
Systemic and Genetic Disorders and Conditions
Anemia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Overweight and Obesity
Head Non-Surgical Procedures
Botox Injections for Chronic Migraine
Peripheral Non-Surgical Procedures
Fascia Illiaca Block
Brachial Pleaxus Block
Femoral Nerve Block
Poplitea Fossa Block
Spine Conditions
Cervical Radiculopathy
Compression Fractures of the Spine
Facet Joint Syndrome
Herniated Discs
Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)
Myelopathy
Spinal Stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylosis
Where Lower Back Pain Begins
Spine Non-Surgical Procedures
Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
Discography
Facet Joint Injections
Flouroscopic Guided Piriformis Injection
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection (without contrast)
Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
Medial Branch Block (Cervical)
Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Lumbar Facets
Sacrolliac Joint Steroid Injection
Stellate Ganglion Block
Spine Surgical Procedures
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Cervical Posterior Foraminotomy
Laminectomy
Laminectomy (cervical) with Fusion
Lumbar Disc Microsurgery
Lumbar Discoscopic Discectomy
Micro Endoscopic Discectomy
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Microdecompression
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Spinal Fusion (Lumbar)
Selective Endoscopic Disectomy
Foot and Ankle Procedures
PRP Therapy
PRP Therapy for Achilles Tendon Pain
PRP Therapy for Peroneal Tendonitis
PRP Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Hip and Thigh Conditions
Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Hip Joint Injection
PRP Therapy
Ultrasound-Guided Illoinguinal Nerve Block
Knee Procedures
PRP Therapy
Flouroscopic Guided Steroid Injection for Knee Pain
Genicular Nerve Block
HYALGAN Injection for Knee Pain (Flourscopic Guided)
Visco-supplementation for Arthritis of the Knee