What is spinal stenosis?
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:
- Herniated discs
- Bone spurs
- Injuries
- Tumors
Thickened ligaments, which can develop over time like osteoarthritis, may bulge into your spine and cause narrowing.
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
Not everyone with spinal stenosis experiences symptoms, but once the symptoms start, they tend to worsen with time.
Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include:
- Neck or back pain
- Tingling or numbness in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- Weakness in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
- Muscle cramps or pain in the legs when standing for a long period of time
Severe cases of spinal stenosis may also lead to bowel or urinary incontinence.
How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?
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.
How is spinal stenosis treated?
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:
- Medications
- Massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Stretching exercises
- Epidural steroid injections
- Nerve blocks
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.
