Here at NJ Spine and Wellness, spinal stenosis is one of the many conditions our doctors specialize in.

As your body’s central support structure, your spine is interconnected to numerous parts of your musculoskeletal system, serving the vital function of protecting your spinal cord and nerves. Within your spine lie bony openings called foramina; when they begin to narrow, it puts pressure on the nerves, causing a condition known as spinal stenosis. Typically caused by wear and tear, spinal stenosis causes symptoms ranging from pain and numbness to tingling — and in some cases, no symptoms at all.

This condition can worsen over time, which is why it’s critical to consult with a spinal stenosis specialist at NJ Spine and Wellness if you’re experiencing any issues. We feature locations throughout the state of New Jersey, including clinics in:

What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis puts pressure on the spinal cord, which can cause myelopathy (a compression injury to the spinal cord) or radiculopathy (pinching of a nerve in the spinal column). This can result in:

Pain: You may feel a dull pain in the neck or lower back or might experience shooting pain in the legs or arms; in some cases, the pain will vary over time and potentially increase during certain activities.

Numbness: You might feel anything from reduced sensation to pins and needles and complete numbness in your leg, arm, or other areas.

Weakness: Not only may you feel weakness in the leg or arms, but it may be accompanied by issues with coordination; in severe cases, you may experience bladder or bowel dysfunction.

Schedule an appointment with an NJ Spine and Wellness spinal stenosis specialist to discuss your specific symptoms and which treatments may be suitable for you.

What Are the Causes of Spinal Stenosis?

In most cases, spinal stenosis occurs when something happens to narrow the foramina. This can be caused by a number of reasons, including:

Bone spurs: Everyday wear and tear can cause damage to your spinal bones and create bone spurs, which can develop in the spinal canal.

Thickened ligaments: Your ligaments can become thicker and stiffer over time, causing them to bulge into the spinal canal.

Spinal injuries: Dislocations, fractures, and displaced bones can all damage the contents of the spinal canal; swelling due to an accident can also put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Herniated discs: These soft cushions between your vertebrae can crack, and their inner material can seep out and press on the spinal cord and nerves.

Tumors: While uncommon, tumors can grow inside the spinal cord between the spinal cord and vertebrae or within the membranes that cover the spinal cord.

Regardless of the cause of your spinal stenosis, our doctors can help you identify the root of your issues and address it with cutting-edge treatment options. The specialists at NJ Spine and Wellness can create a spinal stenosis treatment strategy that’s personalized for your specific needs. Whether it’s lifestyle changes and pain management or your case requires a surgical approach, we can help you Get Better Faster.

What Is Neurogenic Claudication?

Before we talk about neurogenic claudication, it’s important to note that there are two types of spinal stenosis — cervical and lumbar. Cervical spinal stenosis occurs in the neck, and lumbar spinal stenosis occurs in the lower back. Neurogenic claudication is a collection of symptoms caused by lumbar spinal stenosis; symptoms include:

  • Pain
  • Weakness or heaviness in legs
  • Tingling or cramping in the hips, buttocks, lower back, or legs
  • Worsening of symptoms when standing upright and lessening when sitting or leaning forward.

What Are My Options for Spinal Stenosis Treatment?

When it comes to treating your spinal stenosis, you should first consult with a specialist at NJ Spine and Wellness. Depending on how mild your condition is, we may be able to treat it with nonsurgical approaches, like exercise, lifestyle changes, oral medications, and injections. More severe or advanced cases of spinal stenosis may require surgery from a doctor who specializes in procedures like a laminectomy or a minimally invasive spinal fusion, performed using state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

Still Have Questions? Contact Us Today!

No matter how severe your spinal stenosis case is, the specialists at NJ Spine and Wellness can create a personalized plan for you that considers your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. We can help guide you through the process, discussing your options and putting you on the path to Get Better Faster. For more information on spinal stenosis, its symptoms, or how to treat it, contact us today or schedule a consultation at one of our clinics in East Brunswick, Freehold, Matawan, or Old Bridge, New Jersey.