Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a gradual narrowing of the spinal canal that occurs with age and is characterized by back, buttocks, and leg pain that worsens when standing.

This narrowing (see image below) can put pressure on the spinal cord or on the nerves that branch out from the compressed areas. If the narrowing is severe, the nerves that travel through the spinal column to the legs become pinched, leading to back and leg pain and leg weakness.

Mild symptoms are often helped by pain relievers, physical therapy, or a supportive brace. In more serious cases, doctors may recommend surgery to create additional space for the spinal cord or nerves. Unfortunately, even after surgery, symptoms of the condition may recur or worsen over time.

The most common symptoms include:

Pain or Cramping in the Legs
Compressed nerves in the lower spine can cause pain or cramping in the legs when standing for long periods of time or walking. The discomfort usually eases when you bend forward or sit down, but it continues if you stand upright.
Radiating Back and Hip Pain
A herniated disc can compress nerves in the spine, leading to pain that starts in the hip or buttocks and extends down the back of the leg. The pain is worse when sitting and generally affects only one side. For some, the radiating pain can be debilitating.
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Generally seen when the nerves in the neck are compressed. The pain may occur only occasionally or may be chronic, and can extend into the arm or hand. Other symptoms include headaches, a loss of sensation, or muscle weakness.
Loss of Balance
Pressure on the cervical spinal cord can affect the nerves that control balance, resulting in clumsiness or a tendency to fall.

Treatment Options
Many people can be effectively treated with conservative measures. Treatment options include:

Rest or restricted activity
Physical therapy
A back brace or corset
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Epidural steroid injections

While epidural steroid injections have been used to treat lower back pain since 1952, their effectiveness has increased significantly with the introduction of fluoroscopy, or xray imaging. Fluoroscopy lets the doctor see the injection "live" on a monitor to ensure the medicine is delivered exactly where it will provide maximum, long-lasting relief.

We Can Help
The physicians at the Northwest Surgical Specialists Pain Management Center are experts at diagnosing the need for and delivering soothing pain medicine exactly where it will result in maximum relief.

If you or a loved one is suffering the effects of spinal stenosis, contact the Pain Management Center at 847.885.9525 to arrange a consultation.

Hoffman Estates

Northwest Surgical Specialists
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(View Map)

Foot & Ankle Care
Pain Management
Physical Therapy
Therapeutic Massage
Skin Care
Surgical Care Center

847.885.9525

Elgin

Summit Green Medical Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
(View Map)

Foot & Ankle Care
Physical Therapy

847.697.4500

Mt. Prospect

Metrodocs, S.C.
431 Lakeview Court, Suite D
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
(View Map)

Foot & Ankle Care

847.296.3040