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• Spinal Stenosis

What is Spinal Stenosis?

If you’ve ever asked the question, “What is spinal stenosis?,” chances are that you suffer from one or more of the root causes of stenosis, such as bulging discs, herniated discs or bone spurs. Spinal stenosis is a medical condition characterized by the narrowing of one or more areas of the spinal canal, and is most frequently caused by any of the above degenerative conditions.

Possible Spinal Stenosis Causes

As we age, the cartilaginous discs between adjacent vertebrae become more prone to damage. These intervertebral discs can thin and weaken, which means they can easily tear, leak, or protrude beyond their normal perimeters, which reduces the amount of open space in the surrounding spinal column. This narrowing puts pressure on spinal nerves, which is what causes the symptoms that accompany spinal stenosis.

Locations & Symptoms

Stenosis can occur in any region of the back, including:

• Cervical stenosis— narrowing of the spinal column in the neck and upper back; may include pain, weakness, or tingling through the shoulders and arms
• Thoracic stenosis— narrowing of the spinal column in the middle region of the back; may include pain, numbness, or a “pins-and-needles” sensation around the rib cage and kidneys
• Lumbar stenosis— narrowing of the spinal column in the lower region of the back; may include traveling pain, numbness, and weakness through the buttocks and down one leg

Treatment Options

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Most patients who suffer from spinal stenosis symptoms can find relief from non-invasive, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, prescription or over-the-counter pain medication, cortisone injections, gentle stretching, low-impact exercise, and heat therapy.

However, not all patients will find relief through these therapies. If your pain worsens or becomes chronic, you may begin to consider a spine operation. If this is the case, Laser Spine Institute (LSI) would like to tell you about our minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures that are performed on an outpatient basis. Remember, knowing how to treat spinal stenosis is the first step to relieving yourself of pain. Contact LSI today for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.