Advanced Spinal Stenosis Treatment
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves that travel through it. This narrowing often develops gradually, frequently linked to age-related changes like a herniated or bulging disc or the natural thickening of nearby ligaments over time, and can lead to nerve-related symptoms including sciatica when it affects the lower back.
At HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care, Dr. John Shiau and Dr. John Morrison evaluate where the narrowing is occurring and how it's affecting the surrounding nerves before recommending a spinal stenosis treatment plan.
If numbness, weakness, or pain is affecting your daily activities, request a consultation with HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care today.
Understanding and Treating Spinal Stenosis
From Diagnosis to Surgical Relief
Common Causes of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis develops for a few different reasons, including:
- Age-related thickening of ligaments within the spine
- Bone spurs that narrow the space around the spinal cord or nerves
- A herniated or bulging disc pressing into the spinal canal
- Thickening or overgrowth of bone tissue in the spine
Non-Surgical Spinal Stenosis Treatment
Many patients find relief from spinal stenosis through conservative treatment, including:
- Physical therapy to build core and back strength
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Targeted injections to reduce nerve irritation
- Activity modification to avoid positions that worsen symptoms
Surgical Treatment Options
When conservative treatment doesn't provide enough relief, a couple of surgical approaches can create more space for the affected nerves:
- Laminectomy and Discectomy: Removes a small amount of bone and any disc material pressing on the nerve to relieve pressure directly.
- Anterior Cervical Fusion: Stabilizes the neck after removing tissue that's narrowing the spinal canal in that area.
Dr. Shiau and Dr. Morrison will recommend the option best suited to where your stenosis is located.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis symptoms often develop gradually and can include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs, along with pain that worsens with standing or walking and improves with sitting or leaning forward. Some patients notice symptoms only after walking a certain distance, a pattern sometimes called neurogenic claudication.
How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?
An orthopedic spine specialist typically starts with a physical exam to assess strength, reflexes, and range of motion, followed by imaging such as an MRI or CT scan to see exactly where the spine has narrowed. This combination helps confirm not just that stenosis is present, but which nerves are affected and how significantly.
Why should I choose HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care for spinal stenosis treatment near me?
Finding the right spinal stenosis specialist near you means finding a team that can pinpoint exactly where narrowing is occurring and treats it precisely. Dr. Shiau and Dr. Morrison bring extensive spine experience to every case, from conservative care to surgical treatment when it's truly needed.
Serving patients across New York and New Jersey, our team is ready to help you find lasting relief from spinal stenosis symptoms.