Spinal Stenosis Specialist

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by the shrinking of the spaces inside your spine around your spinal cord. As a result, the nerve roots and spinal cord within your spine are easily pinched and compressed, causing pain or numbness. The narrowing most often occurs in either your neck or lower back.

What causes spinal stenosis?

Some people are born with narrow spines. For most people with spinal stenosis, the condition develops over time. The most common cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis, which is the normal wear-and-tear of your bones that can cause bone spurs that narrow your spine. 

Other common causes of spinal stenosis are:

• Toughened ligaments over time
• Tumors
• Spine injuries
• Herniated discs
• Bone growth from Paget’s disease

Spinal stenosis is most common in women and patients over age 50. 

What does spinal stenosis feel like?

Symptoms of spinal stenosis can range from hardly noticeable to severe and debilitating. In fact, some patients with spinal stenosis don’t experience any symptoms at all. 

Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include

• Numb or tingling limbs
• Weak limbs
• Leg pain
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Trouble when standing or walking
• Urinary incontinence (in severe cases)
• Inability to control your bowels (in severe cases)

If you notice these symptoms, visit Houston Pain Specialists to find out if spinal stenosis is the cause and start treatment.  

What are my treatment options for spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis doesn’t have a cure, but Houston Pain Specialists can create a personalized treatment strategy to help you control or alleviate your pain. 

Your treatment plan might include:

Medications

To temporarily ease your spinal stenosis pain, your doctor might recommend a pain reliever, antidepressant, or anti-seizure medication.

Physical therapy

Even if you don’t go to a physical therapist, getting consistent physical activity is perhaps the most important part of managing your spinal stenosis. Improving your mobility and strength can keep your pain from worsening.

Epidural

An epidural steroid injection may relieve your pain by reducing inflammation around your spinal cord.

Decompression

During a decompression procedure, a doctor uses a needle to remove some of the thickened ligament tissue that is putting pressure on your spinal cord. 

If your case is extreme and other treatments haven’t worked, your doctor may recommend corrective surgery.

If pain in your back or numbness in your limbs is affecting your movement, don’t hesitate to call Houston Pain Specialists or book your appointment online today to find out if you have spinal stenosis.