Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis Symptoms

Symptoms can vary depending on the location of spinal stenosis.

Symptoms of Central Spinal Stenosis

Central spinal stenosis may cause symptoms such as:

• Balance and coordination problems
• Difficulty walking
• Tingling or numbness from the neck to the shoulder, arm or hand
• Weakness or loss of muscle control in the arms or legs

Symptoms of Lateral Recess Stenosis

Lateral recess stenosis may cause symptoms such as:

• Radiating pain from the lower back into one or both legs
• Radiating pain in one or both arms
• Weakness, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis

Your doctor may recommend one or more of these tests to diagnose spinal stenosis:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan—to produce detailed images of the spine.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—to produce detailed pictures of the bones and soft tissue of your spine.
• Myelogram—an X-ray of the spine that uses contrast dye to examine the spinal cord and spinal canal.
• X-rays—of the spine.

Spinal Stenosis Treatment

Treatment for spinal stenosis may include nonsurgical or surgical options depending on the location and severity of stenosis.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Nonsurgical treatment options for spinal stenosis include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Epidural steroid injections
• Physical therapy

Surgical Treatments

We may recommend surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve. Surgical options include:

• Arthroplasty—a replacement of damaged or herniated discs with artificial discs.
• Foraminotomy—a decompression surgery that widens nerve passageways to relieve pressure.
• Laminectomy or laminotomy—enlarges the spinal canal to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
• Spinal fusion—joins vertebrae to support and strengthen the spine.