Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis also referred to as “spinal narrowing,” is a narrowing of the spaces within your spinal column.

This condition can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves within and around the spinal column and occurs most often in the neck and lower back.

Spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by wear-and-tear in the spine related to osteoarthritis.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE SPINAL STENOSIS?

If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you might consider making an appointment with Dr. Magued Fadly and his team to determine if spinal stenosis might be the cause:

Back or neck pain (or neck pain in the case of cervical stenosis)
Burning pain that radiates through to other parts of your body
Loss of sensation in the limbs
Lack of coordination or weakness in your limbs

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is aging. Gradual deterioration of the spine can cause a number of changes, including bone spurs, the thickening of tissues in the spine, and disc compression.

THERE ARE OTHER RISK FACTORS FOR SPINAL STENOSIS:

Trauma or injury to the spine can cause spinal stenosis.
Tumors in or around the spinal area can apply pressure to spinal nerves.

Spondylolisthesis, a condition where one vertebra slips out of place, also causes a narrowing of the spinal canal.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT TREATMENT FOR ME?

There are non-surgical options for treatment of spinal stenosis that you should consider first. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide some relief for pain and inflammation.

If NSAIDs are not providing enough relief, steroid injections in the area may also be effective. Combining medication or injections, along with physical therapy, can help to improve your spine’s strength and more flexibility. Some of our patients opt for chiropractic adjustments as a form of treatment.

When non-surgical treatments for spinal stenosis are ineffective, surgery may be recommended to help maintain stability in the spinal canal and relieve the pain associated with spinal stenosis.

California Spine & Pain Institute only recommends surgery for patients suffering from severe pain or immobility. The two primary surgical approaches are laminectomy, a surgery which removes a section of the vertebrae to widen the spinal canal space; and spinal fusion, a treatment which fuses the vertebrae together, stabilizing the canal space and preventing further friction.