Spinal stenosis is the condition when the spaces within the spine become narrowed, exerting pressure on the nerves running through the spine. This most often occurs in the neck and lower back. While mild spinal stenosis may not present with any symptoms, others may experience pain, tingling, muscle weakness and numbness that progressively gets worse. Full Range Spine & Ortho provides spinal stenosis treatment at our four clinics around Los Angeles.
Spinal stenosis most commonly occurs along with the deterioration of spinal osteoarthritis, as this degenerative disease breaks down spinal joint cartilage. The vertebrae become compressed, and this narrows the space within the spine where nerves travel. The two main types of spinal stenosis, classified according to location, are cervical stenosis and lumbar stenosis.According to a study published in the journal Spine, the prevalence of lumbar spinal stenosis among adults aged 60 years and older was 47.2%.
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
This narrowing of the spinal column can occur in different parts of the spine and for different reasons. Dr. Roy Nini is a qualified interventional pain management specialist who can diagnose and treat spinal stenosis caused by the following:
- Age-related changes: As we age, the spinal discs may start to degenerate, lose their elasticity and height, and become more prone to herniation or bulging. Additionally, arthritis can cause the formation of bone spurs and thickened ligaments that can also narrow the spinal canal.
- Herniated discs: When the soft, jelly-like material inside a spinal disc ruptures, it can press on the spinal cord or nerves and cause stenosis.
- Trauma: Injuries to the spine, such as fractures, dislocations, or sprains, can also lead to spinal stenosis.
- Tumors: Abnormal growths within the spinal canal or surrounding tissues can compress the spinal cord and nerves and cause stenosis.
- Congenital conditions: Some individuals may be born with a narrow spinal canal or abnormal spinal structures that predispose them to stenosis.
- Other factors: Other factors that may contribute to spinal stenosis include obesity, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes or Paget’s disease.
Effective treatment and pain relief for spinal stenosis can involve non-surgical options such as physical therapy, medications, or spinal injections. Only in severe cases may surgery be necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
The symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the location and severity of the narrowing in the spine. However, some common symptoms of spinal stenosis may include:
- Pain: This can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain that can radiate into the arms or legs. Pain may be worsened by standing or walking and can improve with sitting or leaning forward.
- Numbness or tingling: This can occur in the arms, legs, or other areas of the body that are innervated by the compressed nerves.
- Muscle weakness: This can occur in the arms, legs, or other affected areas and can result in difficulty with coordination, balance, or fine motor skills.
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction: In severe cases, spinal stenosis can affect the nerves that control bladder and bowel function, leading to incontinence or difficulty with urination or defecation.
- Loss of sensation: In some cases, spinal stenosis can cause a loss of sensation or feeling in the affected areas of the body.
- Changes in posture or gait: Spinal stenosis can cause a person to walk with a stooped or bent posture or with a shuffling gait.
It’s important to note that not all cases of spinal stenosis cause symptoms, and some people may have the condition without realizing it. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your spine, it’s important to contact one of our skilled musculoskeletal interventional specialists at Full Range Spine & Ortho to get a proper diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment.
Is Spinal Stenosis a Permanent Condition?
Spinal stenosis can be a chronic condition, and in some cases, it can be permanent. The degree of permanence depends on the cause of the stenosis and the severity of the compression on the spinal cord or nerves.
In cases where spinal stenosis is caused by age-related degenerative changes in the spine or herniated discs, the condition may gradually worsen over time. This may lead to the development of chronic symptoms and a progressive loss of function. In these cases, while the symptoms may be managed with treatment, the narrowing of the spinal canal itself is unlikely to fully resolve.
However, in cases where spinal stenosis is caused by a treatable condition such as a herniated disc or spinal tumor, our Los Angeles area physicians are prepared to offer prompt treatment to alleviate the compression and reverse or improve the symptoms of cervical or lumbar stenosis.
At Full Range Spine & Ortho, we value the importance of determining the underlying cause of spinal stenosis and developing a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. With proper management, many people with spinal stenosis are able to effectively manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life.
Los Angeles Spinal Stenosis Treatment
Spinal stenosis is diagnosed through x-ray and MRI scanning, which can reveal the location and extent of the narrowing in the spine. Dr. Roy Nini and Dr. Paul Lee are Los Angeles pain management experts who can treat spinal stenosis once an accurate diagnosis is made. Full Range Spine & Ortho uses various regenerative medicine therapies as non-invasive methods of treating orthopedic conditions like spinal stenosis.
Treatment will focus on relieving the condition that caused the narrowing of the spine corridor to reduce or eliminate pressure on affected nerves. It will also seek to facilitate healing when possible by providing a boost to the body’s natural healing processes. This will help to reduce pain and discomfort while restoring function and mobility.
Possible treatment avenues may include physical therapy, spinal decompression, massage, acupuncture, joint injections, viscosupplementation, biological treatments, stem cell therapy, intradiscal PRP (Biologics), sympathetic blocks and interventional pain management. Dr. Nini and Dr. Lee will recommend the best possible treatment modalities to form a customized treatment plan for your unique condition.
How Is Regenerative Medicine Used to Treat Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is diagnosed through x-ray and MRI scanning, which can reveal the location and extent of the narrowing in the spine. Dr. Roy Nini and Dr. Paul Lee are Los Angeles pain management experts who can treat spinal stenosis once an accurate diagnosis is made. Full Range Spine & Ortho uses various regenerative medicine therapies as non-invasive methods of treating orthopedic conditions like spinal stenosis.
Treatment will focus on relieving the condition that caused the narrowing of the spine corridor to reduce or eliminate pressure on affected nerves. It will also seek to facilitate healing when possible by providing a boost to the body’s natural healing processes. This will help to reduce pain and discomfort while restoring function and mobility.
Regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving field that utilizes the body’s natural healing processes to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. Full Range Spine & Ortho is proud to recognize and offer the most innovative options in regenerative medicine when treating spinal stenosis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
One of the most promising approaches in regenerative medicine for spinal stenosis is the use of stem cells. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into specialized cells and tissues. Stem cells can be harvested from the patient’s own body or from a donor, and then injected into the affected area of the spine.
These stem cells can then differentiate into cells that can help repair and regenerate damaged tissues, including bone, cartilage, and nerves. This approach has shown some success in treating disc degeneration, which can contribute to spinal stenosis.
Ready to learn more about minimally-invasive treatment options for spinal stenosis? Call today or use our convenient online scheduling tool to book an exam and consultation at Full Range Spine & Ortho. We have four locations in and around Los Angeles to serve you.
The most appropriate treatments for you will depend on the cause, nature, and severity of your spinal stenosis pain.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Nini at Full Range Ortho in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills to receive a custom-tailored spinal stenosis treatment plan.