Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a chronic and painful condition that occurs when the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the nerves. Alexis Tracy, DO, and the team at Somerset Spine & Nerve offer a range of treatments for patients in Medford, Oregon. To learn more about spinal stenosis care, call Somerset Spine & Nerve or request a consultation online today.

What is spinal stenosis?

Stenosis is a medical term that means “narrowing.” In spinal stenosis, the open spaces in the spine—through which nerves travel—become narrower, reducing the space available for the nerves as they move from the brain to the rest of the body. As the condition progresses, nerves can become crowded or compressed, resulting in pain and other symptoms.

Spinal stenosis is more common in older adults and typically results from age-related or degenerative changes in the spine. Common causes include arthritis and bone spurs—hard projections that can form on the spine. In some cases, spinal stenosis may also occur in individuals with naturally narrow spinal canals.

The condition most often affects the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back).

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Mild stenosis may cause few or no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can be mild or intermittent at first.

As the condition advances, symptoms may include:

• Pain in the neck or lower back

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs

• Relief of symptoms when sitting or leaning forward (which helps open the spinal space)

In more severe cases, spinal stenosis can affect the nerve pathways that control the bladder or bowels, leading to incontinence. Without treatment, symptoms often worsen over time as spinal narrowing progresses.

How is spinal stenosis treated?

Before beginning treatment, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation that includes a physical exam, review of medical history, and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition:

• Mild stenosis may respond well to physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility.

• Moderate cases may benefit from injections of corticosteroids or regenerative therapies delivered into the epidural space around the spine.

• Severe stenosis may require surgery to remove bone or bone spurs and relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

To schedule a spinal stenosis evaluation, call Somerset Spine & Nerve or request an appointment online today.