Spinal Stenosis

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition that causes the area around your spine to narrow, placing pressure on one (or several) nerves. This narrowing can occur anywhere in your spine, but it’s especially common in the lower back.

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis, but it can occur due to other reasons as well, including:

• Herniated discs
• Tough or thickened ligaments
• Tumors
• Injuries to the spine
• Bone spurs

If you experience back pain on a regular basis and it doesn’t improve with rest or at-home treatments, make an appointment at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center.

What are the types of spinal stenosis?

There are several types of spinal stenosis, and each is characterized by where they occur. For example, cervical stenosis occurs in the cervical spine (neck) while lumbar stenosis occurs in the lower back. 

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Symptoms of spinal stenosis include:

• Numbness or tingling sensations in the limbs
• Weakness in your limbs
• Problems with walking or balance
• Neck pain

If spinal stenosis is left untreated, it may also increase the risk of bladder or bowel dysfunction, such as urinary incontinence.

How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?

The team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center diagnoses spinal stenosis by reviewing your medical history and asking about your symptoms, including their severity and if any activities, like sitting down or exercising, make them worse. 

Afterward, they conduct a physical exam and order a series of diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan. These measures can pinpoint underlying issues like bone spurs, tumors, or damage to your vertebral discs and ligaments.

How is spinal stenosis treated?

Treatment of spinal stenosis depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your daily life. When possible, the team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center recommends conservative measures of care, including:

• Steroid injections
• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic treatment
• Decompression procedures
• Physical therapy

If these treatments don’t provide relief, you might benefit from surgery. The team offers several types of surgery to treat spinal stenosis, including:

• Laminectomy
• Laminotomy
• Laminoplasty
• Minimally invasive options

Your provider works alongside you to determine the type of treatment that best aligns with your needs.

To receive treatment for spinal stenosis, contact the team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center. Schedule an appointment with the online booking feature, or call the nearest office to speak with a staff member.