What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a medical condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, which is the central passageway in the spine that protects the spinal cord and nerve roots. This narrowing can compress and irritate the spinal cord and nerves, leading to various symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in the back, neck, arms, or legs, depending on the location of the stenosis.

There are two main types of spinal stenosis:

1. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: This occurs in the lower back and is the most common type of spinal stenosis. It typically affects people over the age of 50 and is often caused by degenerative changes in the spine, such as osteoarthritis, herniated discs, or thickened ligaments.
2. Cervical Spinal Stenosis: This occurs in the neck and is less common than lumbar spinal stenosis. It can result from age-related changes in the spine, such as herniated discs, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments.

Symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the severity and location of the narrowing but may include pain or discomfort in the affected area, weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, and changes in bowel or bladder function in severe cases.

Treatment options for spinal stenosis include conservative measures such as physical therapy, pain medication, and corticosteroid injections, as well as lifestyle modifications such as exercise and posture improvement. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Treatment decisions are typically made on an individual basis, taking into consideration the severity of symptoms, overall health, and patient preferences.

What are the treatment options for Spinal Stenosis?

1. Conservative Measures: non-surgical or conservative treatment options are often the first line of treatment for spinal stenosis. These may include:

• Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches designed to improve strength, flexibility, and stability of the spine and surrounding muscles, as well as to promote proper posture and body mechanics.
• Medication: Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, stronger prescription medications, such as muscle relaxants or nerve pain medications, may be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids, a type of anti-inflammatory medication, directly into the affected area of the spine may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Assistive Devices: The use of supportive devices such as a cane or a lumbar brace may help reduce pressure on the spine and provide stability during physical activity.

2. Lifestyle modifications: Certain lifestyle changes may be recommended to manage spinal stenosis, such as:

• Exercise: Regular low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking or swimming, may help improve overall fitness, strengthen muscles, and maintain flexibility.
• Posture improvement: Maintaining good posture and body mechanics, such as avoiding prolonged sitting or standing in one position, may help alleviate symptoms of spinal stenosis.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the spine and may help relieve symptoms.

The treatment options for spinal stenosis may vary depending on the severity of symptoms, the location of the stenosis, the overall health of the patient, and patient preferences. Some common treatment options for spinal stenosis include:

3. Surgical Intervention: In cases where conservative treatments are not effective or if the spinal stenosis is severe, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options for spinal stenosis may include:

• Decompressive Laminectomy: This surgical procedure involves removing a portion of the vertebra or the thickened ligaments that are compressing the spinal cord or nerves, creating more space for them.
• Spinal Fusion: In some cases, spinal fusion surgery may be performed in conjunction with a decompressive laminectomy. It involves fusing two or more vertebrae together to provide stability and reduce pain.
• Foraminotomy: This procedure involves removing a portion of the bone or tissue that is obstructing the nerve root openings (foramina) in the spine to relieve nerve compression.

Risks of Untreated Spinal Stenosis

If left untreated, spinal stenosis can potentially lead to various complications and worsen over time. Some of the risks of untreated spinal stenosis may include:

1. Increased Pain and discomfort: Spinal stenosis typically causes symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in the back, neck, arms, or legs. Without appropriate treatment, these symptoms may worsen and become more debilitating, leading to decreased quality of life and increased discomfort.
2. Nerve Damage: Spinal stenosis can compress and irritate the spinal cord and nerve roots, potentially leading to nerve damage. Prolonged compression of nerves can result in nerve dysfunction, which may cause persistent pain, weakness, and sensory changes, and in severe cases, can lead to permanent nerve damage.
3. Mobility Limitations: Spinal stenosis can affect mobility and physical function, especially in the lower back and legs. If left untreated, it may progressively worsen, leading to difficulty in walking, maintaining balance, and performing daily activities, potentially resulting in reduced mobility and independence.
4. Reduced Quality of Life: The symptoms of spinal stenosis can impact a person’s ability to engage in regular activities, work, and enjoy hobbies or recreational activities. Untreated spinal stenosis can lead to decreased quality of life, affecting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
5. Increased Risk of Falls and Injuries: Spinal stenosis can cause weakness, numbness, and difficulty with balance, which can increase the risk of falls and related injuries, such as fractures or sprains, especially in older individuals or those with other health conditions that affect mobility.
6. Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction: In severe cases of spinal stenosis, compression of the spinal cord can lead to bowel or bladder dysfunction, causing difficulties with bowel or bladder control. This can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may require medical intervention.
7. Development of Other Complications: If left untreated, spinal stenosis can potentially lead to the development of other complications, such as muscle weakness, joint instability, or changes in spinal alignment, which can further exacerbate symptoms and functional limitations.

It’s important to note that the progression and severity of spinal stenosis can vary from person to person, and not all cases of spinal stenosis will necessarily worsen if left untreated. However, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve overall outcomes. If you suspect you may have spinal stenosis, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate management.

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options Available at MVM Health

We offer several minimally invasive treatment options available for spinal stenosis, including:

1. Epidural Steroid Injections: This involves injecting corticosteroid medication directly into the epidural space around the affected spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. It is typically done on an outpatient basis and can provide temporary relief for spinal stenosis symptoms.
2. Facet Joint Injections: This involves injecting a combination of corticosteroids and a local anesthetic into the facet joints, which are small joints located in the back of the spine. Facet joint injections can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with spinal stenosis.
3. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to create heat and destroy the nerve fibers that are causing pain. RFA can be used to target the nerves that transmit pain signals from the spinal joints and can provide longer-lasting pain relief compared to steroid injections.
4. Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD): This is a procedure that uses a small incision and specialized tools to remove excess ligament and bone that may be compressing the nerves in the lumbar spine. MILD is performed under local anesthesia and can help relieve symptoms of spinal stenosis with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues.
5. Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation: This procedure involves the insertion of small screws into the pedicles (bony projections on the back of the vertebrae) using a minimally invasive approach. The screws are then connected with rods to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves.
6. Endoscopic Spinal Surgery: This is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small tube with a camera (endoscope) to visualize and treat the affected area of the spine. It can be used for various spinal conditions, including spinal stenosis, and may involve removing excess bone or ligament to relieve pressure on the nerves.
7. Spinal Decompression Surgery: There are several minimally invasive spinal decompression surgeries available, such as laminotomy or laminectomy, which involve removing a part of the vertebrae to create more space for the spinal cord or nerves. These procedures can be performed using small incisions and specialized tools, resulting in less tissue damage and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgeries.

MVM Health provides personalized treatment plans designed to improve your overall well-being. Our main focus is to offer pain relief services to individuals residing in Lehigh Valley, East Stroudsburg, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, and neighboring areas. Our commitment is to protect your health, and we encourage you to reach out to us at 570-445-2200 or via the link below to schedule a consultation.