Spinal Stenosis – What Is It?

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Spinal Stenosis – What Is It?

Spinal stenosis is a term used to describe a narrowing of the spinal canal or foramen. It can occur in any area of the spine including the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, and specific types of spinal stenosis are named according to location. For example, cervical spinal stenosis would be narrowing or constricting that occurs in the C1-C5 vertebrae, or the upper back and neck, while lumbar spinal stenosis would be narrowing in the L1-L5 vertebrae of the spine, or the lower back.

Spinal Stenosis – What Causes It?

Spinal stenosis can be caused by many things, but three of the most common include:

Compromised intervertebral discs – Bulging, herniated, and degenerative discs can all cause spinal stenosis.
Bone spurs – A bone spur protruding into the spinal canal causes spinal stenosis.
Swollen ligaments – When ligaments in the back become too swollen, they can push into the spinal canal, causing stenosis.

Spinal Stenosis – How Is It Treated?

Conservative treatments for spinal stenosis and its symptoms include:

Exercise
Pain medications – over–the–counter and prescription
Ice/heat compression therapy
Spinal decompression
Epidural steroid injections
Stretching
Rest

If these treatments fail to bring relief, then your doctor may recommend surgery as a last resort. If this is the case, then Laser Spine Institute wants you to know that open back and neck procedures are not your only option; there is a safe, effective alternative known as endoscopic spine surgery that offers relief from back and neck pain without the hospital stay, long incision, general anesthesia, or lengthy recovery of open procedures.

For more information on spinal stenosis, including endoscopic spine surgery, and a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan, contact Laser Spine Institute.

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