Spinal Stenosis Specialist

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis means there’s a narrowing of space in your spinal canal. A decrease in spinal canal space limits room for your spinal cord and the spinal nerves that branch out from your spinal cord to the rest of your body. 

This narrowing may irritate, compress, or pinch the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots, causing various pain symptoms. 

Spinal stenosis most often develops from the degenerative changes that occur in your spine as you get older. It can affect any area of your spine, but most often occurs in the lumbar spine (lower back) and cervical spine (neck).

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a progressive condition and you may not have any symptoms during the early stages. However, as the narrowing worsens you may develop symptoms such as:

• Dull ache in the neck, head, or lower back
• Pain that radiates into your arms or legs
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation
• Muscle weakness
• Poor balance
• Difficulty walking

Spinal stenosis may also cause sciatica, which is a nerve pain condition that affects the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates down the back of one of your legs.

How is spinal stenosis treated?

Treatment for spinal stenosis depends on the severity of your symptoms. For mild to moderate symptoms, treatment may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and steroid injections.

When do I need surgery for spinal stenosis?

Dr. Ladha may only recommend surgery for spinal stenosis when medical interventions fail to ease your symptoms, affecting your quality of life. 

The skilled neurosurgeon treats spinal stenosis throughout the spine and uses minimally invasive techniques when possible. Types of spine surgery for spinal stenosis include: 

Laminectomy

Laminectomy, also known as spinal decompression surgery, is the most common procedure for spinal stenosis. During a laminectomy, Dr. Ladha removes a portion of your vertebra — lamina — to improve spacing. 

Laminotomy

During a laminotomy, Dr. Ladha only removes a small portion of the lamina. When performing a laminotomy in the cervical spine, he may use metal plates and screws to bridge the open area. 

Foraminotomy

For a foraminotomy, Dr. Ladha creates more space through the foramen, which is where your nerve roots exit your spine. 

Interspinous process spacers

For lumbar spinal stenosis, Dr. Ladha may use interspinous process spacers to increase spacing in the spinal canal.

Spinal fusion

If you have radiating nerve pain from your spinal stenosis, Dr. Ladha may perform a spinal fusion, joining two vertebrae together to stop painful movements. 

For expert care for your spinal stenosis, call Basin Neurosurgical and Spine Associates or schedule a consultation online today.