Spinal Stenosis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments in Greenwich, CT

Spinal stenosis is a disorder where various factors cause the nerve roots to become compressed, leading to numbness, pain, and weakness. The cervical and lumbar areas are affected the most frequently, but the thoracic spine can become compressed as well due to disc herniation. Spinal herniation can be acquired due to injury, age-related degeneration, or pathological factors. 

Osteoarthritis-related spinal degeneration is the most common cause of spinal stenosis. While there’s no cure for spinal stenosis, you can manage it with exercise, medication, and if needed, surgery. An experienced Greenwich, CT spinal stenosis specialist from CT Spine & Ortho can tailor an individualized treatment plan based on your specific spinal stenosis diagnosis after evaluating your medical records.

Common Causes of Spinal Stenosis 

While osteoarthritis is the most common cause of spinal stenosis in Greenwich, CT, there are also many other causes, including: 

• Ankylosing Spondylitis: This is a form of arthritis that leads to chronic spinal inflammation. It may also cause the growth of bone spurs.
• Congenital Spinal Stenosis: This occurs when individuals are born with naturally narrow spinal canals.
• Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL): This condition is when deposits form on your spinal canal ligament.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This condition involves chronic inflammation that causes the development of bone spurs and bone damage.
• Paget’s Disease: This is a chronic condition that can lead to your bones becoming weaker and growing bigger than normal.
• Scoliosis: You have abnormal spinal curving with this condition. It can result from neurological abnormalities, certain genetic conditions, or unknown causes.
• Spinal Tumors: You can develop these tissue growths in your spinal canal. They can trigger inflammation, and lead to surrounding bone changes.
• Spinal Injuries: Bone fractures and herniated (slipped) discs can cause bone or vertebrae fragments to place pressure on your spinal nerves.

Depending on the cause of your spinal stenosis, your doctor may recommend various treatment options to help reduce your pain. 

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis 

Many individuals don’t experience symptoms of spinal stenosis. However, when symptoms do occur, they begin gradually and worsen over time. The symptoms you experience will depend on which part of your spine is impacted. 

In Your Lower Back 

Lower back spinal stenosis can lead to cramping or pain in one or both of your legs. This occurs when you walk or stand for a long period of time. Your symptoms tend to get better when you sit or bend forward. Some individuals also experience radiating back pain. 

In Your Neck 

Spinal stenosis in your neck can lead to:

• Weakness or tingling in a hand, arm, leg, or foot
• Numbness
• Issues with your bladder or bowel
• Neck pain
• Issues with balance and walking

You can begin experiencing these symptoms slowly and they can get worse over time. Leg pain can get so severe that it feels unbearable to walk even short distances. 

Treating Spinal Stenosis in Greenwich, CT

Like with many other back pain causes, symptoms of spinal stenosis may often first be managed with non-surgical approaches like:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Pain relievers (acetaminophen)
• Exercise
• Weight loss
• Lumbar epidural steroid injection
• Physical therapy

If non-surgical treatment approaches don’t work or only provide temporary relief, your spinal specialist will sit down with you to discuss spinal stenosis surgery. Lumbar spinal stenosis is often the common diagnosis in individuals aged 65 or older who undergo spinal surgery. 

Spine professionals tend to prefer minimally invasive surgical procedures whenever possible, which only target the affected area, protecting other healthy tissue. These types of procedures provide more easier and comfortable recoveries. Some common types of spinal stenosis surgeries in Greenwich include:

• Laminectomy: In this procedure, the spine surgeon removes part of the vertebrae, the lamina, and creates more spinal canal space.
• Spinal fusion: This surgery connects the vertebrae that are causing pain so they don’t move around any longer.
• Foraminotomy: In this procedure, the surgeon enlarges the area where your spinal nerve root leaves your spinal canal

You’ll sit down for an initial consultation before your spine surgeon makes a decision on which type of spinal stenosis surgery you require, if any.

Contact CT Spine & Orthopedic to Speak with a Greenwich, CT Spinal Stenosis Specialist Today 

With the right treatment option, you can manage your symptoms of spinal stenosis and get your quality of life back. CT Spine & Orthopedic spine specialists understand the importance of finding back pain relief so you can return to your normal day-to-day activities. We specialize in spinal stenosis treatment options, including surgery. Our Concierge Team can also help mitigate your stress by streamlining your treatment and appointments.

Call us today at (866) 553-0612 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced Greenwich, CT spinal surgeons to discuss your spinal stenosis symptoms and treatment options.