Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. This narrowing can happen for several reasons, including age-related changes, arthritis, bone spurs, or changes to the discs in your spine. As the available space becomes smaller, it can place additional pressure on the nerves and lead to symptoms such as pain, cramping, weakness, tingling, or numbness. These symptoms can sometimes become more noticeable when standing or walking for longer periods of time.
The symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary from person to person depending on where the narrowing occurs and how much pressure is being placed on the nerves. Some people may experience pain in their lower back, while others may feel symptoms that travel into the buttocks or legs. You may also notice that certain activities, such as walking or standing, become more difficult or uncomfortable over time. In some cases, sitting down or changing positions may temporarily relieve symptoms.
Here at Axis Spine and Orthopedics, we use minimally invasive surgical techniques to help treat spinal stenosis when surgery is appropriate. Depending on the location and severity of the narrowing, procedures may include a laminotomy, foraminotomy, or interspinous space insertion. These procedures are designed to create more space around the spinal cord and nerves, helping to relieve the pressure that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Our minimally invasive techniques are designed to limit disruption to the surrounding tissues when possible, which may allow for a more comfortable recovery and a quicker return to normal activities compared with some traditional surgical approaches. However, recovery time can vary depending on the procedure and each patient’s individual condition.
If you are experiencing ongoing back or leg pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking, it is important to have your symptoms evaluated. At Axis Spine and Orthopedics, we can help determine what may be causing your symptoms and discuss treatment options that are appropriate for your specific condition. Our goal is to help relieve your symptoms and get you BACK to It.
Source: https://www.barrowneuro.org/condition/lumbar-stenosis/
