At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our mission is to restore your quality of life by offering advanced treatments for pain conditions like spinal stenosis.Â
Spinal stenosis can lead to debilitating pain, numbness, and mobility issues. We understand this condition's profound impact on your daily life and well-being and are committed to helping you find relief.
Types
The types of spinal stenosis are categorized by their spinal location. You can also suffer from more than one type of spinal stenosis.
The two most common types of this condition are:
- Cervical stenosis: Affects your cervical spine and neck
- Lumbar stenosis: Occurs in your lower back
Other types of spinal stenosis include:
- Thoracic stenosis: Affects your middle back
- Foraminal stenosis: Occurs in the small openings where nerve roots exit the spinal column
- Lateral recess stenosis: Occurs at the back of the spinal canal, where nerve roots initially branch out
- Central canal stenosis: Affects the main spinal canal that houses and protects the spinal cord
Cervical Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in hands, arms, feet, or legs
- Weakness in hands, arms, feet, or legs
- Difficulties walking or balancing
- Neck pain
- Decreased mobility and functionality in your hands
- Impaired ability to do daily tasks with the hands, such as writing, zipping zippers, or buttoning shirts
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
- Weakness in the legs or feet
- Pain in the lower back
- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Heavy feeling in the legs
- Pain, cramping, or difficulty walking or standing for prolonged periods
Some living with lumbar spinal stenosis will experience abnormal functioning in their bowels or bladder or loss of sexual functioning. These symptoms are less common but require immediate medical attention.
Causes
Causes of spinal stenosis include:
- Bulging or herniated disks
- Calcified spinal ligaments
- Degenerative disc disease
- Genetic disorders
- Inflammation in the back or neck
- Inflammatory spondyloarthritis
- Injury or trauma to the back or neck
- Misaligned spinal vertebrae
- Osteoarthritis
- Overgrown bones
- Paget’s Disease
- Spinal cord cysts or tumors
- Spinal injuries
- Thickened ligaments
- Tumors
Diagnostic Tests
Before visiting your healthcare providers, document any signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis. Pay special attention to their duration, frequency, and severity.
Some symptoms of spinal stenosis overlap with other medical conditions. Proper documentation of all your symptoms can help your medical professional eliminate other causes of your back pain.Â
Before conducting a physical exam, your provider will ask about your medical history and familial history of spinal issues and rheumatological disorders.Â
During the physical examination, your doctor will examine the range of motion in your spine and neck. They will also check your spine for tenderness and any deformities. They likely will assess your balance, walking, and strength in your extremities as well.
Your healthcare provider may order diagnostic tests, such as:
- Blood tests
- CT scans or myelograms
- EEGs
- MRIs
- X-rays
They may also refer you to a specialist for further diagnostic tests and treatment.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available to help you manage spinal stenosis symptoms. They include:
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for spinal stenosis. It focuses on strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall function. A tailored exercise program can help alleviate pain, increase mobility, and support spinal stability, reducing pressure on the spinal nerves.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Muscle relaxants and pain relievers may also be prescribed to manage symptoms. In some cases, anticonvulsants or antidepressants are used to address nerve pain.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver corticosteroids directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord. They help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, providing temporary relief for several months. This treatment is often used when other conservative measures are insufficient.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Adjusting daily activities to avoid positions or movements that exacerbate symptoms is essential. Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and engaging in regular low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, or walking can help manage symptoms and improve overall spinal health.
- Assistive Devices: Using assistive devices like canes or walkers can help with mobility and reduce pain by taking pressure off the spine. These devices can be particularly beneficial for those with significant difficulty walking.
Facts
- Spinal stenosis affects both men and women. However, lumbar spinal stenosis is more common in men, while cervical stenosis is equally common in both genders.
- Spinal stenosis is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 50. It is often associated with the aging process and degenerative changes in the spine.
- There is a genetic component to spinal stenosis, meaning it can run in families. Some people are born with a smaller spinal canal, predisposing them to the condition.
- Diagnosing spinal stenosis can be challenging because its symptoms often overlap with other conditions, such as herniated discs, arthritis, or peripheral neuropathy.
- Maintaining flexibility in the hips and hamstrings is important for people with spinal stenosis. Tight muscles in these areas can exacerbate symptoms.
FAQs
Can Spinal Stenosis Be Prevented?
Spinal stenosis cannot always be prevented. However, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Practicing good posture
- Avoiding smoking
- Eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods
- Attending regular check-ups
- Being mindful of back pain or changes in mobility to catch spinal issues early
At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we offer personalized advice and preventive strategies to help you maintain a healthy spine.
When Is Surgery Recommended for Spinal Stenosis?
Surgery for spinal stenosis is typically considered when non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate symptoms. They may also be recommended if the condition severely impacts your quality of life.
If you experience significant pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking that doesn't improve with physical therapy, medications, or injections, surgery might be the next step. Procedures such as decompressive laminectomy or spinal fusion aim to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
Can Spinal Stenosis Recur After Treatment?
Yes, spinal stenosis can recur after treatment. This is more likely if the underlying degenerative changes in the spine continue.
However, successful treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, can provide significant long-term relief. Regular follow-up appointments and a proactive approach to spine health, including physical therapy and lifestyle modifications, can also help to minimize the risk of recurrence.
Can Spinal Stenosis Cause Permanent Nerve Damage?
If left untreated, severe spinal stenosis can lead to permanent nerve damage. This can result in chronic pain, persistent numbness, muscle weakness, and, in extreme cases, loss of bowel or bladder control.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent these serious complications.
The Pain Experts of Arizona emphasize the importance of timely intervention. We provide advanced treatment options to manage symptoms and protect nerve function.
If you're experiencing symptoms of spinal stenosis, it's essential to seek professional care promptly to avoid permanent damage.
Is Spinal Stenosis the Same as Sciatica?
Spinal stenosis and sciatica are related, but they are not the same.
Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of spaces within the spine, causing pressure on the nerves.
Sciatica, on the other hand, is a specific type of pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve from the lower back down to the legs. Sciatica can also be a symptom of spinal stenosis if the narrowing affects the sciatic nerve.
Understanding the distinction is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we offer comprehensive evaluations to determine the exact cause of your symptoms. We also provide targeted treatments to address them effectively.
Why Choose The Pain Experts of Arizona?
The Pain Experts of Arizona was founded with one goal: To get our patients back to pain-free living through accurate diagnosis and the best treatments available.Â
We bring the highest level of care and treat our patients like family in a state-of-the-art setting. Our comprehensive approach ensures that each patient receives a tailored plan that addresses their unique condition and promotes long-term spinal health.
Our founder, Dr. Kuppusamy, a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain specialist, is committed to helping you live pain-free and prioritizes the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. He and his team at The Pain Experts of Arizona are focused on delivering patient-centered care that respects each patient’s needs, values, and preferences.Â
With Dr. Kuppusamy’s expertise and the team's dedication, you can trust that you will receive the most advanced and compassionate care available.
Schedule a Spinal Stenosis Consultation
At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we are dedicated to helping patients in Mesa and Gilbert, AZ, find relief from spinal stenosis. If you have any concerns or symptoms related to spinal stenosis, contact us today at 480-550-9393 to schedule a consultation.
