Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces in your spine get smaller and press on nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, balance trouble or weakness. If these symptoms slow you down, we’re here to help. Our goal is to ease your discomfort, help you move more easily and support you in staying active and doing the things you enjoy.
Easing spinal pressure in your back, neck, arms + legs
Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces in your spine narrow and press on your spinal cord or nerves. This can cause pain, numbness or weakness in your neck, back, arms or legs. It often develops as we get older and can make everyday activities like walking, standing or bending feel uncomfortable. Symptoms may come and go or slowly worsen over time.
While spinal stenosis can’t be cured, our spine specialists work with you to create a care plan that fits your needs and your life. Treatment may include home care, guided exercises, physical therapy or other nonsurgical options. In some cases, minimally invasive spine surgery may help relieve pressure on the nerves. Our goal is to ease discomfort, improve movement and help you stay active so you can keep doing the things you enjoy.
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Conditions
Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces in your spine narrow and put pressure on your spinal cord or nerves. This narrowing often develops slowly over time and can make everyday activities like walking, standing or bending uncomfortable. Symptoms depend on which part of the spine is affected.
- Aging and wear-and-tear: Over time, spinal discs lose water and elasticity, which makes them shrink and sometimes bulge or herniate. Ligaments can thicken, joints can stiffen, and bone spurs or cysts may form. These changes can narrow the spinal canal and press on nerves.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or other forms of arthritis can thicken ligaments, cause bone spurs, and reduce space in the spinal canal, which may press on nerves.
- Congenital conditions: Some people are born with a naturally narrow spinal canal, which can make them more likely to develop symptoms of stenosis.
- Herniated discs: Discs that bulge or rupture can push against nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness or weakness.
- Thickened ligaments: Ligaments that hold the spine together can become stiff or enlarged, narrowing the spinal canal and putting pressure on nerves.
- Spinal injuries: Accidents, fractures, or other injuries can change the alignment of the spine and compress nerves.
Spinal stenosis can affect different parts of the spine, including the lower back (lumbar stenosis), mid-back (thoracic stenosis), and neck (cervical stenosis). Symptoms such as pain, numbness or weakness depend on which nerves or part of the spinal cord are affected.
Testing
If you notice pain, numbness, or weakness in your back, neck, arms or legs, spinal stenosis may be the cause. Your care team starts by talking with you about your symptoms and medical history, then does a physical exam to check your strength, sensation, reflexes and flexibility.
Imaging and other tests help show where the spine is narrowed and how nerves are affected:
- CT scan: Provides detailed images of the bones in the spine and may be combined with a myelogram to show pressure on the spinal cord.
- EMG or nerve studies: Check how well nerves are working and help pinpoint nerve compression.
- MRI: Shows detailed images of the spinal cord, nerves, and soft tissues to find areas of pressure.
- X-rays: Show bone changes, arthritis or bone spurs that may be narrowing the spinal canal.
Testing helps the care team build a treatment plan that eases discomfort, improves movement and helps you stay active.
Treatments
Every spine is different, and so is every person. We work with you to create a plan that fits your pain, nerve function, movement and daily life. Most care plans start with non-surgical options and move to more advanced treatments only if needed.
- Cold and heat therapy: Ice can help reduce swelling and should be used with a cloth for 20 minutes at a time. Heat helps relax stiff muscles and can come from a heating pad, hot water bottle, warm bath or steamed towel.
- Decompression surgery: Removes bone, thickened ligaments, disc material or cysts pressing on nerves. Smaller incisions may help shorten recovery time.
- Injection therapy: Minimally invasive steroid injections can reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms caused by spinal stenosis.
- Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, pacing activities and using good posture can reduce stress on your spine.
- Neurosurgery and spine surgery: Advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques treat more complex cases safely and effectively.
- Over-the-counter medicine: Pain relievers like aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can ease pain and inflammation. Topical creams can mimic heat or cold therapy. Muscle relaxants may help with tight muscles.
- Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises help support your spine and reduce discomfort. Your care team will show you exercises you can continue safely at home.
- Spinal fusion: Stabilizes the spine by connecting vertebrae using rods, screws or plates to keep the neck or back aligned.
No matter which treatments you choose, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our goal is to help you move comfortably, regain confidence in your spine and stay active doing the things you love.
FAQs
What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces in your spine narrow, putting pressure on your spinal cord and nerves. This can cause pain, numbness or weakness in your back, neck, arms or legs.
What causes spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis can happen as we age and the spinal discs shrink or lose elasticity. Other causes include arthritis, herniated discs, thickened ligaments, spinal injuries or being born with a naturally narrow spinal canal.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary depending on the part of the spine affected. Common signs include back or neck pain, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, weakness, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods.
How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with a medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs or CT scans help show where the spine is narrowed. Nerve studies may be used in some cases.
How is spinal stenosis treated?
Treatment depends on symptoms and severity. Options include at-home care like cold or heat therapy, over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, injection therapy, and minimally invasive or more advanced surgeries when needed.
Can spinal stenosis be cured?
Spinal stenosis is a mechanical compression of the nerves. If other treatments are not successful surgery can be used to remove this compression. With the right treatment plan, most people can reduce pain, improve movement and stay active.
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience persistent back, neck, arm or leg pain, numbness, or weakness, it’s important to see a spine specialist. Early evaluation can prevent symptoms from getting worse and help you find the right treatment.
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