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.
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1Professional Building II At North Cypress Medical Center
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2North Cypress Professional Building At Lakewood Crossing
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3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
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4Advanced Orthopaedics Memorial
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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. The staff is awesome, polite, respectful and as professional as the team that works with Dr. Elbaz. I recommend him and all the doctors in the clinic because of their experience and honesty.
I have been fighting chronic knee pain for ten years following a knee replacement, a bone infection, and subsequent knee revision surgery. After a number of failed solutions to pain relief, Dr. Patel introduced me to RF nerve ablation procedure which has been very effective in improving my quality of life. Dr. Patel’s professionalism and proficiency are sincerely appreciated.
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Dr. Bacon is hands-down the best doctor I have ever had (skills, knowledge, bedside manner, and more,) Garrett is an intelligent P. A. who is very approachable and answers any and all questions promptly, and Jose is warm, incredibly compassionate and genuinely shows great concern for the patients. He represents the practice very well. There are so many more positives to say about them, but not enough room! I highly recommend Team Bacon!
Doctor Brooks is the best. His advice to get lubricant injected into my knees has made my life so much better. Kudos!
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