Spinal stenosis can limit mobility and quality of life. Our specialists diagnose the cause of your symptoms and provide personalized, effective treatment to relieve pressure on the spine.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a degenerative spine condition in which the spinal canal becomes narrowed, compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. This narrowing can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck, back, arms, or legs.
Common causes include:
- Disc herniation or bulging discs
- Bone spurs (osteophytes)
- Arthritis-related joint overgrowth
- Thickened spinal ligaments
- Congenital spinal narrowing or past injury
Spinal stenosis is one of many spine conditions we treat using evidence-based, personalized care plans.
Types of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis can occur anywhere along the spine, most often in these regions:
- Cervical (Neck): May cause pain, weakness, or numbness in the shoulders, arms, or hands.
- Lumbar (Lower Back): Often leads to leg pain, cramping, or difficulty standing and walking.
In advanced cases, nerve compression may cause balance issues or loss of bladder/bowel control, requiring immediate medical care.
Common Symptoms
- Back or neck pain that worsens with standing or walking
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in arms or legs
- Leg cramps or heaviness when walking
- Relief when leaning forward or sitting
- Loss of coordination or unsteady gait
Diagnosis
Our board-certified spine and neurosurgeons use advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to determine the exact cause and severity of your stenosis:
- MRI or CT scans to evaluate nerve compression
- X-rays to assess bone alignment and degeneration
- Nerve conduction studies (EMG) if neurological symptoms are present
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity and location of your stenosis.
At Midwest Spine & Brain Institute, we prioritize non-surgical options first, which may include:
- Physical therapy and posture training
- Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medications
- Image-guided epidural injections
If symptoms persist, our surgeons may recommend minimally invasive procedures to relieve nerve pressure and stabilize the spine. When conservative care is no longer effective, minimally invasive spinal decompression procedures may be recommended to relieve nerve pressure and improve mobility. In some cases, procedures such as laminectomy or laminotomy may be used to create more space within the spinal canal and reduce nerve compression.
Why Choose Midwest Spine & Brain Institute?
- Our care is supported by nationally recognized orthopedic spine surgery expertise focused on treating complex cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis.
- Minimally invasive and motion-preserving techniques
- Personalized care tailored to your lifestyle and goals
- Convenient locations across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin
📞 Call 1.800.353.7720 or request an appointment online to schedule your spinal stenosis evaluation today.
FAQs About Spinal Stenosis
Q: Can spinal stenosis get worse over time?
Yes. Without treatment, symptoms may progress gradually as degenerative changes increase pressure on nerves.
Q: How is spinal stenosis different from a herniated disc?
While both cause nerve compression, stenosis involves narrowing of the spinal canal, while a herniated disc occurs when disc material bulges out.
Q: Can exercise help spinal stenosis?
Yes-supervised physical therapy focused on posture, flexibility, and core strength can improve mobility and reduce pain.
Q: When should I see a spine specialist?
If you experience persistent pain, numbness, or weakness that affects your daily activities, consult a board-certified spine surgeon for evaluation.