Spinal Stenosis Treatment

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and places excessive pressure on the nerves, causing pain and numbness in your back, arms, or legs. For severe cases of spinal stenosis that cannot be treated with medications or physical therapy, our doctors can perform surgery to widen the space and relieve pressure within your spinal canal. Our offices in Lakeland, Leander, and Austin, TX, offer a variety of spinal stenosis treatment options, including surgery for qualifying patients.

About Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis can occur in different regions of the neck and back, and it is often classified according to the location of the condition. For example, cervical spinal stenosis presents in the neck area, thoracic spinal stenosis occurs in the mid-back region, and lumbar spinal stenosis manifests near the lower portion of the back.

A narrowing of the spinal column places excessive pressure on the nerves, which can result in pain, incontinence, and difficulties with balance. Symptoms can vary, but often include:

  • Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities

  • Balance problems when standing or walking

  • Neck or back pain

  • Incontinence of bowel or bladder

  • Pain or cramping in the legs after walking or standing for prolonged periods of time

MEET OUR SPINE SPECIALISTS

Michael H. Moghimi, M.D.

Michael H. Moghimi, M.D.
Physicians

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Robert Josey, M.D.

Robert Josey, M.D.
Physicians

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We Can Relieve Spinal Stenosis Pain

Contact Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin online or call (512) 476-2830 to schedule your private consultation. Our doctors can conduct a thorough analysis to determine the best solution for your needs.

request an appointment Call (512) 476-2830

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

While some patients may be born with a smaller-than-average spinal column, most cases of spinal stenosis occur when something unexpectedly happens to reduce the amount of space within the spine. This can include:

Bone overgrowth

The wear and damage from osteoarthritis can force the formation of bone spurs that grow into the spinal canal.

Thickened ligaments

Cords that keep the bones of the spine together can become thick and swell into the spinal canal.

Herniated disks

When the padding between the vertebrae dries out with age, cracks can appear. These small cracks allow the soft padding to leak and cause the disks to press on the spinal cord.

Tumors

Occasionally, abnormal growths form inside the spinal cord, inside membranes covering the spinal cord, or between the spinal cord and vertebrae.

Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents, severe falls, and other traumatic incidents can damage the spine. This can lead to fractures of the vertebrae and the displacement of bone, which can damage the contents of the spinal canal.

Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis

While spinal stenosis can affect a person of any age, the average sufferer is age 50 or older. Non-invasive imaging, such as an x-ray, MRI, or CT myelogram, is the best way to determine if a patient's physical pain is caused by spinal stenosis.

50+

Age of average spinal stenosis sufferers

Non-surgical Treatments for Spinal Stenosis

There are a number of medications that a doctor can recommend or prescribe to curtail the pain of spinal stenosis:

Over-the-counter medications

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen may be recommended for use over a limited period of time.

Antidepressants

Amitriptyline and other antidepressants can be used to help ease chronic pain.

Anti-seizure drugs

In some cases, anticonvulsant drugs may be prescribed to alleviate pain.

Steroids

When injected directly into the problem area, steroids can reduce inflammation and discomfort.
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In addition, physical therapy can help the patient build strength and endurance, increase flexibility, and improve walking and balance. Other therapies that have shown positive results for spinal stenosis sufferers include acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments.

Surgery

If non-surgical treatments do not effectively control the pain associated with spinal stenosis, surgery may be necessary. This will create more space within the spinal canal and alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Dr. Robert Josey and Dr. Michael Moghimi are experienced in surgical procedures designed to address spinal stenosis.
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Our doctors can perform a laminectomy, which can reverse damage from spinal injuries, herniated discs, tumors, or age-related conditions. At our practice, we utilize minimally invasive spine surgery, which is performed using endoscopic techniques to minimize muscle and tissue damage, shorten recovery time, and minimize scarring.

What Our Patients Say

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Dr. Seade did an excellent job on my torn rotator cuff repair! He also had to remove a bone spur and reattach my bicep muscle! My recovery has went very well and after 12 weeks I finally get to start strength training on my left shoulder and arm! I will be back barrel racing in no time!

LeAnn N.

I injured my shoulder over three years ago and had surgery to fix it (by a different physician). It just got progressively worse and I lived through it for three years.  I finally went to see Dr Seade for a full regular shoulder replacement.  It was an amazing experience!!!  He and his team are phenomenal!  I am going into the third month post surgery and doing strong in my PT.  The pain level is low, only sore muscles when I am doing PT.  A beautiful pain and I am on the trajectory to being me again!  Thanks to Dr. Seade and his amazing team!!!

Florence M.

Let me just tell you that if you need shoulder surgery there is only one place to go and that's Dr. Eddie Seade @ Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin. Dr. Seade and his entire staff take the cake when it comes to thoroughly lining out expectations, attention to details, detailed follow up and making sure that they answer all of your questions. Would not go anywhere else!!

Randy D.

Dr. Catlett took the time to explain the process of hip replacement and the robotics used He made my daughter and I very comfortable and confident with the procedure my daughter and granddaughter also will be having surgeries by these drs I would recommend them to anyone

Patient

Have you ever had a doctor send you emails every few days before and after a procedure? No? What about to encourage you, check to see how you’re doing, or instruct you on what physical therapy would be best to start at home after your surgery? No? Then you’re working with the wrong doctor! Dr. Seade was proactive in reaching out- And it was greatly appreciated I have already highly recommended him to a few of my friends and acquaintances. I can’t speak highly enough about the confidence he gave me before during and after my procedure, thank you.

Kathleen V.