Spinal Stenosis Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Approaches

Spinal stenosis is a reduction in the diameter of the tunnel that forms the spinal cord, specifically in the lower back. The narrowing of the cord creates pressure and pain on the nerves. At Alturas Pain and Spine Specialists in St. George, UT, Dr. Stacie Oliver will evaluate you for possible spinal stenosis and discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this condition.

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

If you are diagnosed with spinal stenosis you may wonder what causes this disorder. It is most commonly associated with a condition called osteoarthritis. This is when your joints weaken due to wear and tear over time. The joints in your spine can also wear down, causing the spinal cord to narrow. Symptoms of spinal stenosis are most common in the lower back.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

The vertebrae of the spine are connected to different regions of your body, which is why spinal stenosis can cause pain and discomfort in various places. If you experience the following issues, you may want to ask our St. George, UT, pain medicine physician if it could be a case of spinal stenosis:

• Lower back pain.
• Inability to bend over.
• Problems walking for an extended period.
• Numbness in the limbs.
• Bladder or bowel weakness.

Treatment Approaches

Spinal stenosis can be managed successfully with non-surgical therapies. These are some of the ways that your spine specialist will approach the treatment of a case of stenosis:

• Corticosteroid shots (also called epidural injections) to treat inflammation.
• Radiofrequency ablation (sends signals to numb nerve pain in the back).
• Surgery on the spinal vertebrae. A procedure called a laminectomy (decompression surgery) is most common.
• Back bracing as well as ice or heat therapy.
• Ongoing physical therapy to strengthen the back and muscles.

Spinal Pain Solutions

Solutions for spinal stenosis and similar back-related conditions are available at Alturas Pain and Spine Specialists in St. George, UT. Call the office at (435) 222-5527 today to schedule an evaluation visit with Dr. Stacie Oliver.