Spinal Stenosis Treatment in San Leandro
The spinal cord and spinal nerves are protected by the vertebrae and spinal discs. The nervous system components have space around them within the spine called the epidural space. When growths, inflammation or degeneration closes this space, the spinal cord or nerves can be compressed or restricted. Narrowing of the space inside the spine is called spinal stenosis, a condition that can cause pain and other symptoms. The spinal specialists at Allied Pain & Spine Institute provide spinal stenosis treatment in San Leandro, CA.
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is usually the result of another condition. Any condition that closes the epidural space within the spine can cause spinal stenosis. Some patients with spinal stenosis are born with abnormal growths in their spine that restrict the space, but for most patients it is a progressive process. Some of the conditions that can result in spinal stenosis include:
- Spinal osteoarthritis
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Bone spurs
- Tumors
- Paget’s disease
- Thickened ligaments
When the spinal canal narrows, the nerves exiting the spine can be affected. In severe cases, the spinal cord may be compressed, which can result in severe complications. Spinal stenosis most commonly affects the cervical and lumbar spine.
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Like many spinal conditions, the symptoms of spinal stenosis revolve around the nerves affected by the condition. Patients may experience localized pain in the area where the nerves are compressed in the spine but radiating symptoms may also occur. In the neck, numbness, pain and weakness can travel down into the shoulder, arm and hand. In the lower back, the radiating symptoms can travel down into the buttock and leg, usually only on one side of the body.
Treatment for spinal stenosis depends on what is causing the nerve compression. For mild and moderate symptoms, non-surgical treatments are recommended. Injections, physical therapy, chiropractic care and medication management are some of the possible treatments. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove excess bone, thick ligaments or tumors that are pinching nerves or the spinal cord.
If you have symptoms of spinal stenosis and you live in the South Bay area, contact us at Allied Pain & Spine Institute. Call our team at our San Leandro, CA, location to schedule an appointment.
