Spinal Stenosis

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a common cause of neck pain or low back pain that involves a narrowing of your spinal column. When the spinal canal narrows, it may compress the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out from it, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.

Types of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is classified by its location in the spine:

• Cervical stenosis: Narrowing occurs in the neck portion of the spine
• Lumbar stenosis: Narrowing occurs in the lower back - this is the most common form

Causes

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis, a condition that involves wear-and-tear damage to your joints over time. Other causes include:

• Spinal injuries from accidents or trauma
• Paget's disease affecting bone metabolism
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Naturally narrow spinal canal (congenital)
• Prior spine surgery
• Scoliosis or other spinal deformities
• Abnormal growths or tumors

Symptoms

Many people have evidence of spinal stenosis on imaging but experience no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often start gradually and worsen over time:

• Low back or neck pain
• Leg or arm weakness
• Numbness and tingling in your arms, buttocks, or legs
• Problems with balance
• Pain that improves when leaning forward or sitting

With lumbar stenosis, symptoms often improve when sitting or leaning forward, as this position opens up space in the spinal canal.

Diagnosis

Dr. Lee will perform a thorough physical examination and review your medical history. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans help visualize the extent of the narrowing and identify which nerves may be affected.

Treatment Options

Conservative Treatment

We always explore non-surgical options first:

• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Activity modification

Surgical Treatment

When conservative treatments don't provide adequate relief, surgery may be recommended. Procedures include:

• Laminectomy: Removes part of the vertebra to create more space for the nerves
• Spinal fusion: Joins two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine

Whenever possible, Dr. Lee uses minimally invasive techniques to reduce pain, minimize scarring, and speed recovery.