Spinal Stenosis
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, which places pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. This narrowing often leads to back pain and discomfort, primarily affecting the lower back and neck.
People with spinal stenosis may experience symptoms such as:
- Numbness in the arms or legs
- Weakness or lack of coordination in the limbs
- Difficulty with bladder or bowel control
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, lower back, or glutes
At InfiniHealth Medical Group, we specialize in diagnosing and treating spinal stenosis with advanced and personalized care.
How Does Spinal Stenosis Happen?
Spinal stenosis develops for several reasons, commonly as a result of aging or injury.
While it is most often seen in people over 50 years old, younger individuals with spinal degeneration, injuries, disc bulges, or synovial cysts may also be affected.
Other causes include:
- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Both conditions result in joint inflammation, contributing to the narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Genetics: Some individuals are born with a naturally narrower spinal canal or structural abnormalities, increasing their risk of developing spinal stenosis over time.
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?
The severity and location of spinal stenosis determine the symptoms, which may include:
- Sciatica: Sharp pain radiating down one or both legs, often starting in the lower back or buttocks.
- Foot Drop: Weakness in the muscles responsible for flexing the ankle and toes, causing difficulty in lifting the foot while walking.
- Difficulty Standing or Walking: Nerve compression can cause pain during prolonged standing or walking.
- Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control: Severe cases may result in cauda equina syndrome, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Tingling Sensations: Compression of spinal nerves may lead to tingling in the arms, legs, or hands.
Don’t let spinal stenosis limit your life. Contact InfiniHealth Medical Group today
to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to a pain-free life.
How Is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing spinal stenosis begins with a thorough review of your medical history and a physical examination. Specialists at InfiniHealth Medical Group carefully evaluate symptoms to pinpoint the area of spinal cord compression.
Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or myelograms may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Once the cause and location of the compression are identified, a tailored treatment plan can be developed.
Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis
At InfiniHealth Medical Group, we offer a range of non-operative and surgical treatments to manage spinal stenosis effectively.
Non-Operative Treatments
- Pain Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and, in rare cases, narcotics.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Reducing inflammation during the first 24-48 hours.
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening, stretching, and massage to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
- Chiropractic Care: Realigning joints to improve spinal motion and reduce pain.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Relieving inflammation and confirming the source of pain.
Least Invasive Procedures
For cases unresponsive to conservative treatments, InfiniHealth Medical Group provides advanced minimally invasive solutions, such as:
Endoscopic Laminotomy:
A 1-2 cm incision allows the specialist to use an HD camera to remove thickened ligaments, bone spurs, or herniated discs causing nerve compression. Patients can typically go home the same day and return to work within weeks.
Vertiflex Superion:
This minimally invasive device creates space between the vertebrae to reduce nerve pressure. It is inserted through a small incision, minimizing blood loss and tissue damage, ideal for patients who haven’t responded to non-operative treatments.
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD®):
This procedure removes overgrown ligament and bone in the lumbar spine, providing immediate relief and allowing patients to resume normal activities quickly.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
For severe spinal stenosis, advanced minimally invasive techniques are available, including:
- MIS Lumbar Discectomy/Laminectomy: Decompresses spinal nerves by removing bony lamina and facets.
- MIS Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Stabilizes the spine while relieving nerve pressure.
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): Removes pressure from the spinal cord and nerves while stabilizing affected discs, boasting a 90% success rate.
Recovery
Recovery times vary depending on the procedure. Most patients experience pain relief within days and can gradually return to normal activities. At-home care instructions will include gradual activity increases, and your specialist will guide you on resuming work, exercise, and daily tasks.
Alleviate Your Pain, Regain Your Freedom
Spinal stenosis can limit your mobility, cause discomfort, and interfere with your daily activities and overall well-being. However, effective treatments are available to help relieve pain and restore function.
Contact InfiniHealth Medical Group today or book an appointment online to explore personalized treatment options and take the first step toward improving your mobility, comfort, and long-term quality of life.