Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spine in the lower back or neck is compressed, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves around the squeezed areas. When this occurs, you may experience severe pain in your legs, calves, or lower back. Oftentimes, the pain will be more intense as you walk up steps or a hill. In many cases, the pain can be temporarily relieved by leaning over.
Spinal stenosis is a fairly common cause of back pain in adults. For people above 50, spinal stenosis makes up to 95% of diagnosed degenerative spinal conditions. While not life threatening, the symptoms caused by spinal stenosis can be painful and decrease quality of life.
If you or a loved one are suffering from neck or back pain caused by spinal stenosis, you can rely on our providers at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Interventional Pain Medicine to provide you with safe and effective pain management options that will help you find relief.
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
Because spinal stenosis can affect different parts of the spinal cord, symptoms can vary. Depending on the location and severity of your spinal stenosis, you might experience symptoms in your neck, back, legs or arms. Some affected areas and their symptoms may include:
Lower Back Symptoms
Symptoms of lower back (lumbar) spinal stenosis may include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain that extends down the legs
- Numbness in the legs
- Worsening pain when standing
Neck Symptoms
Symptoms of neck (cervical) spinal stenosis may include:
- Neck pain
- Numbness in the arms and legs
- Trouble using hands
- Difficulty balancing
What causes spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition that most often develops as your body ages. This development is typically caused by injuries or other factors over time. However, in a small percentage of patients, spinal stenosis can be present from birth, caused by several spine-growth issues. Some common causes of spinal stenosis may include:
- Herniated disc
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spinal tumors
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal fractures
- Genetic conditions
- Issues with fetal spine development
Who’s at risk for spinal stenosis?
While spinal stenosis can occur in anyone, there are some factors that put some at risk more than others. You may be at higher risk of developing spinal stenosis if:
- You were born with a narrowed spinal canal.
- You are a woman.
- You are over 50 years old.
- You suffered a previous spinal injury.
- You have other medical conditions that cause spinal stenosis
How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?
To diagnose spinal stenosis, your doctor will likely begin with a physical exam to determine what areas of the spine are causing you the most pain. To get a clearer picture of your issue, your provider will order further imaging tests. These diagnostic tests may include:
- X-ray
- MRI
- CT scan
- Electromyogram
- Bone scan
How is spinal stenosis treated?
While spinal stenosis cannot be cured, there are a variety of treatments that can relieve your pain. Your NGPG Interventional Pain Medicine provider can help you relieve the pain associated with spinal stenosis with the following treatments:
Medications
Over the counter and prescription anti-inflammatory medications can reduce swelling and eliminate pain. Some common medications to treat spinal stenosis symptoms may include:
- Over the counter pain medications
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Muscle relaxants
- Prescription pain medications
Injections
If you don’t find relief from pain medications, your provider may suggest injections to decrease inflammation caused by spinal stenosis. Some injection treatments that NGPG Interventional Pain Medicine offers include:
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation involves using an implanted device to send electrical signals to the spine to interrupt pain signals. This treatment has been known to provide significant pain relief for people suffering from spinal stenosis. Talk with your provider to see if this treatment is right for you.
Radiofrequency Neurolysis
Radiofrequency neurolysis treats pain by using heat to desensitize the nerves, which will interfere with their ability to transmit signals of pain. Your provider may perform this to increase the benefits of other pain management treatments. NGPG Interventional Pain Medicine specializes in treatment of pain caused by spinal issues with radiofrequency neurolysis, ask your provider if it’s the right choice for you.
Choose NGPG for Spinal Stenosis Treatment
The symptoms caused by spinal stenosis can be painful and often decrease quality of life for those who suffer from it. If you or a loved one are dealing with pain in the neck, limbs or lower back from spinal stenosis, you can trust our specialists at NGPG Interventional Pain Medicine to help you find relief.
Our team of providers are dedicated to treating acute and chronic pain caused by conditions like spinal stenosis. With our board certified physicians and access to the latest advancements in pain management, NGPG Interventional Pain Medicine provides the care you need to get back to your life pain-free.