Spinal Stenosis Treatment From Spine Specialists Practicing Near Millstone Township, NJ
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the open spaces within the spinal column. In many cases, the tightening effect results from age-related degenerative changes in the spine that take place gradually over time. For instance, a bulging or herniated disc, spinal bone spur, inflamed facet joint, or thickened ligament may develop and further encroach the already limited space within the spinal canal. While the narrowing itself is not necessarily an issue, it may cause discomfort if the spinal cord or a nearby nerve root is compressed as a result.
What Are The Symptoms Of Spinal Stenosis?
If spinal stenosis does not involve nerve compression, it may not produce any symptoms at all. In fact, you might remain completely unaware of it. However, a compressed spinal nerve may produce discomfort in the form of localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling sensations, muscle weakness, or difficulty walking. The nature and severity of the symptoms will depend on the location of—and the amount of pressure on—the affected nerve. In severe cases, spinal nerve compression in the low back can lead to a rare but serious complication known as cauda equina syndrome. This condition, which can cause bladder or bowel incontinence, requires emergency medical attention to prevent lasting damage.
If you are experiencing symptoms of spinal stenosis, the board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeons and other spine specialists at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) near Millstone Township, New Jersey, can help.
How Is Spinal Stenosis Treated?
At AOSMI, we typically begin spinal stenosis treatment conservatively. In our experience, mild-to-moderate symptoms can often be treated effectively with pain-relieving medications, physical therapy, or steroid injections. However, to address persistent or debilitating symptoms, we may suggest a surgical procedure to create additional space in the spinal canal as a way to reduce the pressure on a compressed nerve.
A laminectomy is a surgical decompression procedure that may be performed to treat spinal stenosis. This surgery involves removing the entire back portion (lamina) of a vertebra. Additionally, a spinal fusion may be considered to strengthen and stabilize the spinal column by encouraging two adjacent vertebrae to grow together into a single, solid piece of bone.
If you are experiencing spinal stenosis symptoms, you can confidently entrust your care to the spine specialists at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute. Contact us to request an appointment at our state-of-the-art orthopedic center near Millstone Township, NJ, today.
