Spinal Stenosis
Advanced decompression techniques for nerve compression
Understanding Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, most commonly in the lower back (lumbar stenosis) and neck (cervical stenosis). This narrowing can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, and weakness. The condition typically develops gradually over time as part of the aging process.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the most common reasons for spine surgery in patients over 65. The classic symptom is neurogenic claudication—leg pain, weakness, or numbness that worsens with walking or standing and improves with sitting or bending forward. Conservative treatment is often effective, but progressive neurological deficits may require surgical decompression.
Common Causes
Age-Related Degeneration
Wear and tear causing disc degeneration, facet joint arthritis, and ligament thickening
Herniated Discs
Disc material protruding into the spinal canal
Thickened Ligaments
Ligamentum flavum becoming stiff and bulging into spinal canal
Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)
Overgrowth of bone from arthritis narrowing the spinal canal
Spondylolisthesis
Vertebral slippage reducing canal diameter
Congenital Stenosis
Some people born with a naturally narrow spinal canal
Symptoms
Neurogenic claudication: leg pain with walking
Pain improving with sitting or bending forward
Numbness or tingling in legs, feet, or buttocks
Weakness in legs or feet, potentially causing foot drop
Balance problems and increased fall risk
Hand clumsiness in cervical stenosis
Bowel or bladder dysfunction in severe cases
Back or neck pain, though less prominent than leg/arm symptoms
Advanced Treatment Options
Epidural Steroid Injections
Interlaminar or transforaminal injections to reduce nerve root inflammation
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)
Percutaneous removal of lamina and ligament portions to increase canal space
Laminectomy
Surgical removal of the lamina to create more space for nerves
Laminotomy
Smaller, less invasive version removing only a portion of the lamina
Foraminotomy
Enlarging the neural foramen where nerve roots exit spinal canal
Spinal Fusion
Joining vertebrae when stenosis is accompanied by instability
Interspinous Spacer Devices
Implanted devices maintaining spine flexion to keep canal open
Get Expert Treatment for Spinal Stenosis
Schedule a consultation with our pain management specialists to discuss personalized treatment options.