Spinal Stenosis Treatment Tamarac & Plantation, FL
What is Spinal Stenosis & What Causes It?
Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of one or more areas in your spine — most often in your neck or lower back. This narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord or narrowing of the openings (called neural foramina) where spinal nerves leave the spinal column.
Depending on which nerves are affected, spinal stenosis can cause pain or numbness in your legs, back, neck, shoulders or arms, limb weakness and loss of coordination, loss of sensation in your extremities, and problems with bladder or bowel function. Pain is not always present, particularly if you have spinal stenosis in your neck.
Spinal Stenosis typically develops as a person ages and the disks of the spine become drier and start to shrink. At the same time, the bones and ligaments of the spine swell or grow larger due to arthritis or chronic inflammation. Other problems, such as infection and birth defects, can sometimes cause spinal stenosis.
Spinal Stenosis may be caused by:
- Arthritis involving the spine, usually in middle-aged or elderly people
- Herniated or slipped disk, which often occurred in the past
- Injury that causes pressure on the nerve roots or the spinal cord itself
- Defect in the spine that was present from birth (congenital defect)
- Tumors in the spine
- Bone diseases, such as Paget’s disease of bone and achondroplasia
Spinal stenosis is commonly caused by age-related changes in the spine. In severe cases of spinal stenosis, doctors may recommend surgery to create additional space for the spinal cord or nerves.
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Treatment for Spinal Stenosis in Tamarac, Florida
Spinal stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of spaces within your spine, often manifests in the neck or lower back. This constriction can exert pressure on the spinal cord or on the openings (neural foramina) through which spinal nerves exit the spinal column. In regions like Tamarac, FL, specialists in spinal stenosis are equipped to manage this condition with expertise.
The Impact of Spinal Stenosis on the Body
Spinal stenosis can lead to various symptoms, depending on the affected nerves. These symptoms may include pain or numbness in the legs, back, neck, shoulders, or arms, muscle weakness, coordination issues, sensory loss in the extremities, and even problems with bladder or bowel functions. Interestingly, neck-based spinal stenosis may not always be painful.
Causes Behind Spinal Stenosis
The condition often results from age-related changes in the spine, such as drying and shrinking of spinal disks. Concurrently, bones and ligaments in the spine may enlarge due to arthritis or ongoing inflammation. Other factors contributing to spinal stenosis include spinal injuries, congenital defects, spinal tumors, and bone diseases like Paget’s disease and achondroplasia. In advanced cases, surgery might be suggested to alleviate nerve or spinal cord compression.
Symptoms: The Tell-tale Signs of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis may manifest as neck pain, but it more commonly causes numbness, weakness, or general discomfort in the arms or legs. Sciatica, a condition where pain radiates down the leg, can occur if a nerve root is compressed. Sitting or lower back flexing often provides relief. Exercises focusing on flexing, stretching, and strengthening are beneficial, especially for those with more severe cases that might include bowel, bladder, or foot issues.
Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis
In Tamarac, FL, spinal stenosis specialists employ various diagnostic tools, including medical histories, physical examinations, X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, myelograms, and bone scans to accurately diagnose spinal stenosis and differentiate it from other conditions.
Nonsurgical Approaches to Spinal Stenosis Management
Unless there’s severe or progressing nerve involvement, a lumbar spinal stenosis specialist might recommend conservative treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, corticosteroid or anesthetic injections, activity modification, physical therapy, and in some cases, lumbar braces or corsets.
Specialized Care in Plantation and Tamarac, FL
Our pain management experts at Interventional Spine Specialists of Florida are renowned for their proficiency in diagnosing and treating spinal stenosis. Serving a wide range of areas in Florida, including Tamarac, Coral Springs, Parkland, Ft. Lauderdale, and beyond, we offer tailored care for those struggling with this condition. Our reputation even attracts patients from outside our local area as they seek specialized care for spinal stenosis.
Why Interventional Spine Specialists of Florida?
Reputation
At Interventional Spine Specialists of Florida, our mission is to provide the most advanced and compassionate care to patients in pain.
Experience
We have 30+ years of experience dedicated to finding long term relief for individuals living with pain associated with accidents, surgery and chronic conditions.
#1 Choice
We’re a caring staff of specialists who will work with you, explain the procedures, and answer your questions.
