What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the open spaces within the spinal column. Most often, the tightening effect results from age-related degenerative changes that take place gradually over time. For instance, a bulging or herniated disc, inflamed facet joint, thickened ligament or bone spur can encroach the already limited space within the spinal canal. While the narrowing itself is not necessarily problematic, it can potentially lead to discomfort if the spinal cord or a nearby nerve root becomes squeezed or compressed as a result.
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
If spinal stenosis does not involve nerve compression, it may not produce any symptoms. In fact, some people who have the condition remain completely unaware of it. On the other hand, a compressed spinal nerve can produce various forms of discomfort, including localized and radiating pain, tingling sensations, numbness, muscle weakness and difficulty walking. The nature and severity of the symptoms will generally depend on the location of – and amount of pressure being exerted on – the affected nerve. In very severe cases, a rare but serious complication known as cauda equina syndrome may develop. This condition, which can cause bladder or bowel incontinence, requires emergency medical attention to prevent lasting damage.
How is spinal stenosis treated?
Mild-to-moderate spinal stenosis symptoms can often be treated effectively with pain-relieving medications, physical therapy or steroid injections. However, to address debilitating symptoms that do not respond sufficiently to conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended to create additional space for compressed spinal nerves.
Surgical decompression procedures that may be performed to treat spinal stenosis include a laminectomy, which involves the removal of the entire back part (lamina) of a vertebra, and a laminotomy, which involves the removal of a portion of a lamina. In some cases, a spinal fusion procedure may be recommended to strengthen and stabilize the spinal column by encouraging two adjacent vertebrae to grow together into a single, solid piece of bone.
If you are experiencing spinal stenosis symptoms, you can confidently entrust your care to the spine specialists at Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston. We offer comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services at three convenient locations in the Houston, Texas, area.
For more information about spinal stenosis, contact Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, TX, today.


-
1Professional Building II At North Cypress Medical Center
AOSM Physical Therapy
-
2North Cypress Professional Building At Lakewood Crossing
AOSM Physical Therapy -
3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
-
4Advanced Orthopaedics Memorial
-
5Woodlands Location
What Our Patients Are Saying
We’ve seen several of these drs. Different family members with different issues. They have been exceptional in both the operating procedures and the follow ups.

This Hospital/clinic is the best that will take care of your pain and ailments. I will never trust any one else but Dr. Alain Elbaz to heal my body.

Excellent experience. The doctor, staff, office services and hospital care were outstanding before, during and after the procedure. Thank you – Heathgrades, Dr. Cubbage review

AOSM is a very high quality medical facility. They handled my hip replacement both pre and post op with the utmost professionalism.

I have been a patient of Dr. Cubbage for several years. Each time of go there, he always presents a thorough plan of care. From ordering the most appropriate diagnostic tests to making sure you understand

I would highly recommend Dr. Cubbage if you are having any type of spinal issues. I have seen Dr. Cubbage several times over the last 3 years for lumbar pain and numbness in my left leg.

Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has, at 76, virtually given me a new lease on being mobile and active. I have seen Dr’s Tanous, Patel, and Cubbage for an assortment of neck, spine and hip problems.

I had been in so much pain with my back for years. It got so bad that I knew I had to do something. I went to Dr Mohr for help. I was so afraid to have spine surgery as I had heard so many horror stories.

When I started, I couldn’t put any weight on my right leg and now I can do virtually anything. While I hope to not need future therapy, this is without a doubt the place I will return to in the future.

For the first time in many years and many knee operations on one leg I am without any knee pain. This is a result of a procedure performed by Dr. Patel.
