What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a condition affecting the spinal canal causing it to narrow and result in spinal cord compression. It is a painful condition that makes walking or standing difficult. Many sufferers find that sitting or bending forward improves their pain, although chronic pain is sometimes the case for some individuals with spinal stenosis.

There are two types of spinal stenosis:

• Foraminal stenosis – This type is also referred to as lateral stenosis and it affects the foraminal canals where the spinal nerves exit the central canal.
• Central canal stenosis – Affects the largest tunnel in the spine as it narrows and compresses the spinal cord. Enlarged ligaments and bony overgrowths are known to cause central canal stenosis.

What causes spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis can affect any area of the spine, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper and middle back), lumbar spine (lower back), sacral spine (lower back and pelvic region) or coccygeal spine (tail bone region). Spinal stenosis may be caused by aging, musculoskeletal or inflammatory conditions, spinal surgery, growths and tumors, anatomical differences, or injuries. Bone spurs, bulging discs, and enlarged facet joints are known to cause spinal stenosis. However, it is most seen in people over the age of 55, and the risk of developing spinal stenosis increases with age. In some cases, spinal stenosis can exist without any reported symptoms, although debilitating pain is not uncommon.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis develops slowly over time. Therefore, the symptoms may appear intermittently at first, and compound over time until chronic, debilitating pain takes over your life.

Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include:

• Pain, tinging, or numbness in the glutes (buttocks), legs, or feet
• Muscle weakness in the legs or feet
• Pins and needles feeling (paresthesia)
• Pain in the lower back
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Pain that gets worse when you walk or stand for prolonged periods

How is spinal stenosis pain treated?

Treating pain from spinal stenosis is possible at Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates (MSSP). Depending on your condition, you may be able to manage your condition at home with anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications to help increase mobility and reduce inflammation throughout your body. However, if pain persists or is debilitating and prevents you from carrying about your daily activities such as caring for yourself, there are minimally invasive treatments available at MSSP.

Pain management for spinal stenosis aims to disrupt pain signals to the brain and to decrease inflammation so that you can regain mobility and experience less pain. At MSSP we offer minimally invasive pain management treatments that are outpatient procedures, meaning that you go home soon after your treatment and that have little to no recovery, unlike major surgery. Our pain specialist in Corinth can meet with you during a thorough consultation to help you decide which minimally invasive treatment is right for you. From injection therapy to radiofrequency ablation and spinal cord stimulators, these minimally invasive treatments help you avoid major surgery with extensive recoveries.

Treating Spinal Stenosis Pain in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN

Spinal stenosis pain can become chronic and debilitating. But thanks to MSSP, you no longer have to suffer with pain associated with your condition. Learn more about our minimally invasive procedures and how to reduce your back pain today by calling (662) 284-8565.