Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the spine canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It can occur anywhere in the spine, but is often found in the lower back.

At the Clinical Neuroscience Institute’s Spine and Back Center, our team of board-certified specialists and experienced providers are committed to the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of spinal stenosis. Our team is committed to caring for you and helping you manage your condition so you may life your healthiest, most productive life.

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the space inside the spinal canal narrows and adds pressure to the spinal nerves and cord. It can come with age, or result from bulging discs or thickened tissues.

Symptoms of spinal stenosis include back or neck pain, numbness or tingling sensation in parts of the back, or weakness, cramping, or pain in the arms or legs.

Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis

Your doctor will discuss your symptoms with you and, with consideration to your medical history, will conduct a physical examination to look for signs of spinal stenosis. A definitive diagnosis may be pinpointed through these medical imaging tests:

• Bone scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• X-ray
• Myelography

Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis can be treated surgically or by non-invasive methods, depending on the individual conditions and severity and type of symptoms.

Non-invasive treatments:

• Anesthetic injections (nerve blocks) to temporarily relieve pain
• Bracing
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation 
• Exercise
• Nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs (nsaids) or analgesics to relieve pain
• Physical therapy
• Restricted activity

Surgery may be done to fuse, or remove all or parts of, the spine that are causing the pressure or loss of alignment.

Grandfather of Five Gets Relief From Spinal Stenosis 

Hear Dan’s Story.