Lumbar Spinal Stenosis QA

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is caused by age-related degenerative changes in the spine such as osteoarthritis of the facet joints, degenerative disc disease, a thickened ligament (ligamentum flavum hypertrophy), trauma, tumor, or congenital conditions such as short pedicles.  

What is lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication?

Lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication can cause a variety of symptoms. These include constant leg pain and/or numbness while standing, increased leg pain and/or numbness while walking.  These symptoms usually dissipate with sitting or bending forward.  Many patients with lumbar spinal stenosis often find relief leaning on a grocery cart while shopping.

I am interested in treatments.  What options do I have?

Our philosophy at the Pain Management Centers of New England is to always start with conservative care such as physical therapy and a home exercise program.  Medications such as gabapentin may be helpful.  Epidural steroid injections performed under xray guidance may be recommened if neurogenic claudication or radicular symptoms exist. 

In addition, Dr. Branton and Dr. Ho are leaders in performing the MILD procedure to decompress lumbar spinal stenosis.  For those with advanced cases of spinal stenosis, a referral to our neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgical colleagues for surgical options may be recommended.

If you or somebody you know is suffering from spinal stenosis pain, low back pain, cervical pain, or thoracic spine pain,  call us to make your next step to pain relief.  With locations in Danver, Gloucester and Newburyport, MA,  we have a location near you.