Whether from an injury or general wear-and-tear, a narrowing of your spinal canal, known as spinal stenosis, can lead to pain, tingling, and muscle weakness. At Apex Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Colorado Springs, Colorado, quadruple board-certified pain management physician John Bissell, MD, offers a variety of treatments for spinal stenosis that not only relieves symptoms but improves overall spine health. Call today or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.
Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spaces in your spine that may put pressure on the nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Spinal stenosis most often affects the neck and lower back.
While you can be born with a narrow spinal column, spinal stenosis most often occurs from the general wear-and-tear of life that leads to spinal osteoarthritis. Other causes include:
Thickened ligaments, which can develop over time like osteoarthritis, may bulge into your spine and cause narrowing.
Not everyone with spinal stenosis experiences symptoms, but once the symptoms start, they tend to worsen with time.
Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include:
Severe cases of spinal stenosis may also lead to bowel or urinary incontinence.
Dr. Bissell at Apex Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation diagnoses spinal stenosis after an examination and review of your symptoms and medical history. He may recommend undergoing diagnostic imaging to confirm your diagnosis or the exact site of your narrowing.
Dr. Bissell aims to find nonsurgical and nonprescription solutions for your pain and uses various techniques to improve spine health and reduce your symptoms. Your treatment might include:
Dr. Bissell tailors a treatment plan for you that reduces inflammation and pressure on your spine for better movement and relief from your symptoms. However, if you continue to have treatment-resistant chronic pain, he may recommend ketamine infusions.
Even if you’ve been suffering for years, Dr. Bissell can help relieve symptoms. For management of your spinal stenosis, call Apex Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation today or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.