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Spinal stenosis is defined as narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal that occurs in the cervical (neck), thoracic (middle of upper back), and lumbar (low back) regions of the spine. When narrowing occurs it may cause a restriction of the spinal cord and nerves in the spinal canal, resulting in a pain and neurological deficit. The most common symptoms include pain, numbness, paresthesia (abnormal tingling and prickling sensation), and loss of motor control.
Spinal stenosis occurs most commonly in the cervical and lumbar spinal regions. Cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis are most commonly diagnosed because of the mobility of turning and bending that exists in these regions of the spine. Therefore, these regions are most prone to degeneration due to wear and tear. The thoracic spine’s main function is to provide support and stabilization. When the spinal canal narrows, the spinal cord and exiting nerves are more likely to be compressed with constant bending and moving of the vertebrae.
ConditionCausesSymptomsDiagnosis, Treatment & Recovery
Spinal stenosis is a condition that affects people over the age of 50 years, where your spinal canal starts to narrow. There are many people who have spinal stenosis as evidenced through MRI and CT scans, that my not have any symptoms at all. Spinal stenosis starts gradually and can worsen over time due to many different causes. The symptoms can vary depending on the location of the stenosis and the nerves they compress.
The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae, facet joints and spinal shock-absorbing discs that protect the spinal cord, a key part of our central nervous system that allows our brain to communicate with our body.
For most people, spinal stenosis is caused by arthritis. The spinal canal and the space around the spinal cord and nerves may begin to narrow becoming smaller causing tightness or pinching of the spinal cord and nerves. This pinching causes pain, numbness and tingling in your arms, torso and legs.
There are potentially many symptoms that could happen with spinal stenosis. The symptoms are mainly determined by severity and location in the spine. Here are the most common symptoms:
Some patients suffering from spinal stenosis do well with rest and conservative treatment options. When symptoms are severe and last more than 3 months with no relief from conservative treatment, patients may benefit from further diagnostic injections, and least invasive or minimally invasive surgical procedures.
If you are suffering from spinal stenosis and have failed to get adequate care or need a second opinion, contact us at the International Spine Institute for a FREE MRI review or schedule a consultation for 2nd opinion. You don’t need to suffer daily in pain.
If pain still persists after conservative treatment and interventional spine injections, and there is evidence by CT Scan, MRI or X-ray or neurological deficit, then surgical intervention is usually recommended.
The following least invasive procedure can treat spinal stenosis with 90% success:
In some cases spinal stenosis may be so severe that it may not be able to be treated with our least invasive techniques, and therefore we use one of the minimally invasive techniques widely used by spine surgeons across the world.
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Dr. Marco Rodriguez is a board-certified and fellowship trained orthopedic spine surgeon who specializes in compassionate care for spine patients utilizing least invasive and minimally invasive spine surgery techniques.
Kenner LA Office 3705 Florida Ave.Kenner, LA 70065
Baton Rouge Office 606 Colonial Dr Ste A Baton Rouge, LA, 70806
Spinal Injections
Endoscopic Rhizotomy
Artificial Disc Replacement
(504) 620-5520