Spinal Stenosis

Relief for nerve compression caused by narrowing of the spinal canal

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This narrowing may develop gradually due to degenerative changes, disc bulging, ligament thickening, or arthritic enlargement of facet joints.

Stenosis can affect the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (low back) regions, producing symptoms that vary depending on the level and structures involved.

At Resolution Spine & Joint, we focus on precise diagnosis and targeted, minimally invasive treatments designed to reduce inflammation, improve nerve function, and restore mobility.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms depend on severity and location but may include:

• Neck or low back pain

• Radiating arm or leg pain

• Numbness or tingling

• Weakness

• Balance difficulty

• Pain or heaviness with walking that improves with sitting or leaning forward

Many patients with lumbar stenosis experience neurogenic claudication, leg pain or fatigue triggered by walking and relieved by flexion or rest.

Stenosis by Spinal Level

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing in the cervical spine can compress the spinal cord or exiting nerve roots.

Possible symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness

• Arm pain, numbness, or weakness

• Hand coordination difficulty

• Balance problems or gait instability

• Signs of cervical myelopathy in more advanced cases

Because the spinal cord is involved at this level, cervical stenosis requires careful monitoring and early evaluation when neurologic symptoms appear.

Thoracic Spinal Stenosis

Thoracic stenosis is less common but can be clinically significant.

Symptoms may include:

• Mid-back pain

• Band-like chest or abdominal discomfort

• Leg weakness or sensory changes

• Balance or coordination difficulty

Thoracic stenosis often warrants imaging when symptoms suggest spinal cord involvement.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar stenosis is the most common form and typically affects walking tolerance and leg function.

Symptoms may include:

• Low back pain

• Leg pain, numbness, or heaviness with walking

• Neurogenic claudication

• Weakness or balance issues

• Relief when sitting, bending forward, or leaning on support

Patients frequently describe needing to lean on shopping carts or rest frequently when walking longer distances.

Causes and Risk Factors

Stenosis may result from:

• Degenerative disc disease

• Facet joint arthritis and enlargement

• Ligament thickening (ligamentum flavum hypertrophy)

• Disc bulging or herniation

• Congenital spinal narrowing

• Prior surgery or trauma

Often, stenosis reflects cumulative mechanical changes rather than a single event.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis typically includes:

• Detailed clinical history and neurologic examination

• MRI imaging to assess canal and foraminal narrowing

• CT imaging when bony detail is needed

• Functional assessment of walking tolerance and neurologic deficits

The clinical picture matters as much as imaging, many patients have radiographic stenosis without symptoms.

Treatment Options at Resolution Spine & Joint

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and improving nerve tolerance.

Conservative Management

• Physical therapy emphasizing posture and flexion-based strategies

• Activity modification

• Medication management when appropriate

Interventional Treatments

• Epidural steroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation

• Selective nerve root blocks for targeted symptom relief

• Facet interventions when joint degeneration contributes to narrowing

• Minimally invasive stabilization or referral for surgical evaluation when necessary

Interventional treatments often improve walking tolerance and reduce nerve sensitivity, allowing patients to remain active.

When to Seek Urgent Evaluation

Immediate evaluation is recommended if symptoms include:

• Progressive weakness

• Significant balance impairment

• Loss of bowel or bladder control

• Rapid neurologic decline

These findings may indicate severe neural compression requiring urgent assessment.

Why Choose Resolution Spine & Joint

• Expertise in diagnosing complex nerve compression syndromes

• Advanced image-guided interventional procedures

• Rapid access to treatment to improve mobility and function

• Individualized care plans emphasizing both symptom relief and long-term stability

• Collaborative approach when surgical consultation is appropriate

Your clinic’s ability to treat both inflammatory and mechanical contributors to stenosis is a major advantage for patients trying to avoid surgery while maintaining activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does spinal stenosis always worsen over time?
Not necessarily. Many patients remain stable or improve with appropriate treatment.

Can exercise help spinal stenosis?
Yes. Flexion-based and stabilization exercises often improve symptoms.

Do injections cure stenosis?
They reduce inflammation and improve symptoms but do not reverse structural narrowing.

When is surgery considered?
Surgery may be discussed when conservative and interventional treatments fail or when neurologic deficits progress.

References

• North American Spine Society (NASS)

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)