Spinal stenosis is a common cause of back pain that results from age-related degeneration or arthritis. The expert team at Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care offers a variety of treatments for spinal stenosis at their offices in West Plano and North Plano, Texas. To find relief from spinal stenosis, schedule an appointment online or by phone (972) 596-1059 today.
Spinal Stenosis Q & A
What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis happens when increasing age or degenerative conditions such as arthritis cause the bones in your spine to change shape and become narrow. This narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on your spinal cord and nerve roots, which may cause pain, numbness, and weakness in your lower back and legs.
What causes spinal stenosis?
Degenerative changes from arthritis is the most common cause of spinal stenosis. As many as 95% of adults experience changes to the spine by age 50.
Aside from arthritis, conditions that may lead to spinal stenosis include:
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal tumors
- Thickened ligaments
- Spinal trauma from a car accident
Herniated discs are another common cause of spinal stenosis. Over time, the soft discs that provide cushioning between your back bones begin to dry out. This may cause the disc to rupture, or herniate, and put pressure on your spinal cord or nerves.
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does though, symptoms may include:
- Back, buttock, or leg pain
- Numbness or weakness in your legs
- Pain that worsens when standing or walking
- Pain that lessens when sitting or bending forward
You may also experience sciatica, or a burning pain that radiates from your lower back down your leg.
How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?
First, your provider at Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care performs a physical exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history. They may also take diagnostic tests, such as:
- X-ray
- MRI
- CT scan
- Bone scan
These tests are painless procedures that provide visual information about the structures of your spine.
How is spinal stenosis treated?
Once they diagnose your spinal stenosis, the team at Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care develops a treatment plan to reduce your pain. Most of the time, spinal stenosis symptoms improve with nonsurgical treatments, including:
- Pain-relieving medications
- Epidural steroid injections
- Physical therapy
If your back pain persists after treatment, the team at Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care may recommend surgery, such as lumbar decompression or spinal fusion.
To learn more about spinal care and treatment for spinal stenosis, call (972) 596-1059 Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care or schedule an appointment online today.