How to Treat Spinal Stenosis

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal. Stenosis may affect the spine in the neck region (Cervical Spinal Stenosis) or in the lower back (Lumbar Spinal Stenosis). When the spinal canal becomes narrower, the spinal nerves become compressed, resulting in pain felt in the neck, back, arms, legs, buttocks, and even hands and feet. Spinal stenosis is most frequently caused by aging and corresponding wear and tear on the spine including the development of osteoarthritis, bone growths (bone spurs), disc degeneration, and thickening of ligaments. That’s why spinal stenosis affects many baby boomers in Los Angeles. However, spinal stenosis may also result from being born with small spinal canal, from a herniated disc, from Paget’s disease, from spinal tumors and from spinal injuries.

What are the symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?

Men and women in Southern California who experience back pain, weakness in the legs, pain radiating through the buttocks and leg (Sciatica), should be screened for spinal stenosis. To diagnose the source of your pain, Dr. K. Rad Payman, top LA Spine Surgeon will likely order imaging tests which may include X-rays, MRI, or a CT. When Spinal Stenosis is confirmed, Dr. Payman, will customize a treatment program for you, based on the severity of the spinal stenosis, and the location of the nerves being compressed.

How is Spinal Stenosis Treated in Los Angeles?

Some men and women may experience relief from the pain caused by spinal stenosis, through nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, or even acupuncture. However, many others suffering from spinal stenosis may require surgery to alleviate the pressure on the spinal nerves.

Fortunately, spine surgery techniques have advanced significantly over time. Whereas previously large incisions to completely remove bony material was standard in spine surgery; today many men and women can have a surgery known as Spinal Microdecompression.

Dr. Payman performs Spinal MicroDecompression surgery to alleviate pain from Spinal Stenosis, while maintaining the strength and the stability of the spine. During this surgery, instead of removing entire areas, and going through muscle, Dr. Payman is able to target only the bone spurs that need to be removed, thus leaving the spine structure responsible for stability, fully intact. This is accomplished using smaller incisions, and special instruments, making for a far less invasive surgery. In fact, the surgery is so precise that many patients need not stay overnight in a hospital. On the contrary, many of Dr. Payman’s patients are able to have the surgery in the morning, and feel well enough to go out to dinner that evening.

In cases where the spinal stenosis will not be treated through Microdecompression, other surgeries including laminectomy—which involves removing the back portion of the affected vertebra—may be an option. Another surgical treatment, known as Laminoplasty may be necessary to alleviate pain caused by spinal stenosis in the neck. In this procedure, the space in the spinal canal is opened by creating a hinge on the lamina. Hardware works to bridge the gap of the open section of the spine.

If you’ve been suffering from back or neck pain caused by stenosis, or need to confirm the source of your pain, Contact Dr. Payman’s friendly staff today to schedule a consultation. Call 818-501-2001 today.