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What Should I do if I Think I Have Spinal Narrowing?

What should I do if I think I have spinal narrowing? If you find yourself asking this question, the first and simplest answer should be to visit your doctor. There, a review of your medical history, physical exam, and possible imagery scans can help confirm a diagnosis of spinal narrowing, or spinal stenosis. Then you can begin a discussion about a treatment plan with your doctor. However, it can be beneficial to educate yourself first on the causes and symptoms of this condition.

Causes of Spinal Narrowing

Spinal narrowing, quite simply, is caused by one unavoidable issue – aging. Over the years, the anatomy of your spine gradually deteriorates as a result of the wear and tear that is placed on it. A bulging or herniated disc, bone spur, or other degenerative abnormality can result in spinal narrowing when it protrudes into the passageway through which a spinal nerve exits the spinal canal. When this space is reduced to the point that the nerve becomes pinched, this is when symptoms arise.

Symptoms of Spinal Narrowing

The symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary based on the location of the pinched nerve, whether it's in the cervical (neck), thoracic (middle back), or lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. The symptoms can also be difficult to trace because they can radiate the length of the nerve in question into other, seemingly unrelated areas of the body. However, the symptoms typically will include:

• Localized pain
• Pain that travels to areas innervated by the compressed nerve
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Numbness

Treatment Options

If your doctor confirms a diagnosis of spinal narrowing as the cause behind your pain and other symptoms, you will typically be directed to begin a treatment program consisting of conservative, nonsurgical methods that are often very effective in managing symptoms. These options can include pain medication, hot/cold therapy, massage, physical therapy, and others. However, if you simply can't find relief through these methods after weeks or months of treatment, contact Laser Spine Institute today. Our safe, effective endoscopic procedures are minimally invasive alternatives to open spine surgery and can help you rediscover your life without back and neck pain.

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