Spinal Stenosis
Expert Spinal Stenosis Treatment at Pain Management of SA
Spinal stenosis is a condition whereby the canal through which the spinal cord moves starts to narrow. Over some time, it can strangle the nerves, causing excruciating, weak, and numbing feelings. This condition can manifest as excruciating pain, weakness, and numbness, significantly limiting mobility and everyday activities.
Don’t suffer in silence. Pain Management of SA provides personalized treatment plans designed to address pain and restore function, enabling you to reclaim your life. Contact us now to take the first step towards a more energetic, pain-free future.
Understanding Spinal Stenosis
The spinal canal, which holds the spinal cord and nerve roots, can narrow due to various factors, including:
- Osteophytes : Bony growths on the vertebrae that tend to encroach upon the spinal canal space.
- Thickened ligaments : The age-related thickening of the ligaments that support the spine may contribute to the narrowing of the canal.
- Herniated discs : Bulging or ruptured discs can compress the spinal cord and nerves.
- Degenerative disc disease : The disc, which lies between the vertebrae, degenerates with time and reduces the space in the spinal canal.
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Spinal stenosis can occur either in the lower back (lumbar stenosis) or the neck area (cervical stenosis), and symptoms can vary depending on the size and severity of the narrowing. The most common symptoms include:
- Pain : Dull or sharp pain from the back, buttocks, or legs that increases in intensity with exertion and is relieved by rest (neurogenic claudication).
- Numbness or tingling : Loss of sensation or tingling sensation (“pins and needles”) in the legs or feet.
- Weakness : Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods.
- Sciatica : Pain radiating down the leg due to irritation of the sciatic nerve.
- Balance impairment : Instability or problems with balance.
- Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction : In severe cases, spinal cord dysfunction may lead to changes in bowel and bladder control.
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If you’re ready to take the next step toward better health, locate your nearest Pain Management of SA and schedule an appointment today.
Diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis
Our team at Pain Management of SA will conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose the source and location of your spinal stenosis. This might include:
- Physical examination : Assessing range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength.
- Medical history : Discussion of your symptoms and general state of health to narrow down potential causes.
- Imaging tests : X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, to visualize bones, soft tissues, and nerves, ultimately narrowing in on the affected site.
Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis at Pain Management of SA
At Pain Management of SA, our approach to spinal stenosis treatment aims to reduce pain, increase mobility, and prevent further nerve damage. Each of these treatments is individually tailored to your needs and the severity of your condition. Here are some of the treatments we may recommend:
Conservative therapies:
Rest
Avoiding strenuous activity allows inflammation to subside.
Physical Therapy
Specific exercises aim to develop core muscles, increase flexibility, and maintain proper postural mechanisms that support the spine.
Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Over-the-counter or prescription medication can help manage pain and inflammation.
Heat and Ice Therapy
Alternating heat and ice packs can relieve temporary pain.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the spine.
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
Epidural Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid medication injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord can reduce inflammation around nerve roots.
Facet Joint Injections
Medication injected into facet joints, which connect vertebrae, can target pain originating from these joints.
Selective Nerve Blocks
Anesthetic injections target specific nerves to provide temporary pain relief.
Surgical Intervention (in severe cases)
If conservative and minimally invasive procedures fail to provide adequate relief, surgery might be considered to remove bone spurs, widen the spinal canal, or decompress the nerves.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Spinal Stenosis must be diagnosed and treated early to prevent further damage to the nerves and disability. If you have pain in the back or leg, with or without numbness or weakness, especially worsening with activity, consider a consultation with a Spinal Stenosis specialist at Pain Management of SA.
FAQs
Common signs include back or leg pain, especially with activity, numbness or tingling in the legs, and weakness. If you experience these symptoms, it is time to schedule a consultation.
Yes! Physical therapy exercises strengthen core muscles, increase flexibility, and decrease pressure on nerves, leading to improved mobility and reduced pain.
Not always. Pain Management of SA concentrates on conservative care, including medicine and injections. Surgery may be considered only if all non-operative options have been exhausted.