Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor, but not all back pain is the same. If you’ve been dealing with pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates into your arms or legs, spinal stenosis might be worth looking into. Here’s what it is, who it affects, and when it makes sense to see a specialist.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the open spaces within your spine. Those spaces are where your spinal cord and nerve roots travel, so when they start to shrink, it can put pressure on the nerves, and that pressure is what causes most of the symptoms people experience.
It can happen in any part of the spine, but it most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar stenosis) and the neck (cervical stenosis).
What Causes It?
For most people, spinal stenosis develops gradually over time as the spine ages. Some of the most common causes include:
- Osteoarthritis. As the cartilage between your vertebrae wears down, bone spurs can form and start encroaching on the spinal canal.
- Thickened ligaments. The ligaments that hold your spine together can stiffen and thicken over the years, narrowing the space available for your nerves.
- Herniated discs. When the soft cushioning between vertebrae slips out of place, it can press on nearby nerves.
- Degenerative disc disease. The discs between your vertebrae naturally lose height and water content with age, which can contribute to narrowing.
- Previous spine injury or surgery. Trauma to the spine or scar tissue from a prior procedure can also play a role.
In some cases, people are born with a naturally narrower spinal canal, which makes them more susceptible to symptoms even without significant degeneration.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on where in the spine the narrowing occurs, but some of the most frequently reported include:
- Pain, cramping, or achiness in the legs or back, often brought on by walking or standing for extended periods
- Numbness or tingling that travels down the arms or legs
- Weakness in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
- Neck pain that radiates into the shoulders or arms
- Low back pain that radiates into the buttocks or legs (often called sciatica)
- Symptoms that improve when you sit down or lean forward
One hallmark of lumbar stenosis is something called neurogenic claudication, leg pain or cramping that comes on when walking and gets better when you stop and rest or bend forward. If this sounds familiar, it’s a good reason to get evaluated.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Spinal stenosis most commonly affects adults over 50, though it can develop at any age. Risk factors include:
- A family history of spinal stenosis or arthritis
- Prior spine injuries or surgeries
- Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or scoliosis
- A naturally narrow spinal canal (present from birth)
How Is It Diagnosed?
If a physician suspects spinal stenosis, they’ll typically start with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms and medical history. Imaging studies, usually an MRI or CT scan, can confirm the diagnosis and show exactly where the narrowing is occurring and how severe it is.
Treatment Options
The good news is that spinal stenosis is very treatable, and many people do well without surgery. Treatment is typically tailored to how much your symptoms are affecting your daily life.
Conservative options often include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, and epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide relief.
When symptoms are more severe, or when conservative care hasn’t provided enough improvement, minimally invasive surgical options may be considered. Procedures like a laminectomy or spinal fusion can relieve pressure on the nerves and help restore function and quality of life.
When Should You See a Spine Surgeon?
You don’t have to wait until symptoms are debilitating to seek an evaluation. If back or neck pain is limiting what you can do, whether that’s walking the dog, keeping up at work, or just getting through the day, it’s worth having someone take a look.
At Lake Pointe Orthopaedics, Dr. Lauren Bockhorn specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and treats a wide range of conditions including spinal stenosis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and more. She sees patients at our offices in Rockwall, Kaufman and Greenville, TX and takes the time to understand your goals and walk you through every option before any decisions are made.
Dr. Bockhorn works closely with pain management specialists, physical therapists, and other orthopedic providers within our practice to ensure seamless, coordinated care.
For patients who may benefit from injections or advanced non-surgical pain relief, collaboration with pain management allows for a smooth transition between treatment options, all within one integrated team.
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Lake Pointe Orthopaedics serves patients throughout the DFW east corridor, including Rockwall, Kaufman, Greenville, Richardson, and surrounding communities.