Spinal Stenosis

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Spinal stenosis is a common medical condition that can lead to  significant pain. The team at  Spine & Sports Medical Group in  Campbell, California and San Jose, California, has the training and  experience needed to evaluate your symptoms and determine the cause. If  you have spinal stenosis, there are treatments that can reduce pain and  prevent future discomfort. That process begins with a phone call or a  visit to the online booking page to set up your one-on-one consultation. 

Spinal stenosis  is a condition characterized by a narrowing of your spinal canal, or the  space within your spine. This is the area that houses your spinal cord,  a fragile structure of nerve fibers that transmit signals between body  and brain. 

Your spinal cord runs from the base of your skull all  the way down to your lower back. It’s incredibly sensitive and protected  by the bony armor of your vertebrae. If that area shrinks or narrows,  pressure can be placed on your spinal cord, leading to a wide range of  symptoms. 

Numerous things can cause spinal stenosis, although osteoarthritis is the most common cause. Other potential causes include:

• Scoliosis
  
• Rheumatoid arthritis
  
• Paget’s disease
  
• Tumors in your spine or spinal cord
  
• Joint degeneration
  
• Bone spurs on your vertebrae
  
• Inflammation in vertebral joints
  
• Ankylosing spondylitis 
  

If any of these conditions are present, you may notice the following symptoms in your legs and feet:

• Severe pain
  
• Weakness
  
• Cramping
  
• Numbness
  

Symptoms  can be mild at first but can gradually worsen over time. It’s important  to come in for a diagnostic workup at the first sign of symptoms, as  treatments can be more effective in the early stages of spinal  stenosis. 

Medication  can play a role in your treatment plan. Over-the-counter drugs can help  manage mild to moderate discomfort, while prescription options are  better suited for more severe pain. Muscle relaxers can relieve pain  from muscle spasms and cramps. Steroid injections can reduce  inflammation, taking pressure off your spinal cord. 

Some men and  women require a procedure called spinal decompression to create more  space in the spinal canal. This approach removes inflamed tissue and  bony growths in the spinal canal. When possible, spinal decompression is  done arthroscopically, involving smaller incisions and less tissue  disruption than traditional open surgery. 

A routine of stretching  and conditioning exercises can help prevent spinal stenosis and treat  the condition if your discomfort is only mild. Over time you can build  up to more strenuous exercises to improve your spine health and overall  health and wellness.

Schedule an appointment today to learn more  about spinal stenosis diagnostic and treatment options. You can book a  visit online or by phone, so don’t delay.

We also see patients in  the following surrounding cities: Santa Clara, San Jose, Los Gatos,  Saratoga, Cupertino, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Milpitas,  Fremont, Morgan Hill, and Gilroy. Book your appointment today.