Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis, a condition that narrows the spaces within the spine, can lead to pain, numbness, and mobility issues. Unfortunately, it affects many people as they age. At Austin Sports Medicine, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and spine specialists provide expert diagnosis and treatment in Austin, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas. With on-site imaging and a comprehensive care approach, we help patients get an accurate diagnosis and customized treatment plan to regain mobility and comfort. Call our office today to schedule an appointment or click the online appointment request to get started.

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis happens when the already-narrow pathways in your spinal canal narrow further. This places unusual pressure on your spinal cord and the delicate nerve roots nearby. 

The condition can lead to disruptive symptoms that may significantly affect your quality of life. 

What are the signs of spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis commonly affects the lumbar (lower) spine. However, it can also affect the cervical (neck-area) spine. 

In many cases, it doesn’t cause any symptoms — at least, not at first. Once symptoms develop, they usually progress over time. Common symptoms include: 

• Lower back pain that may shoot down the buttocks or legs
• Leg cramping
• Neck pain that may shoot down the arm 
• Numbness affecting the legs, feet, arms, or hands
• Tingling affecting the legs, feet, arms, or hands
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Balance problems

One telltale indicator of lumbar spinal stenosis is back pain that gets better when you lean forward. 

In extreme cases, spinal stenosis could lead to bladder and bowel elimination problems, which is a medical emergency. 

What causes spinal stenosis?

In most cases, spinal stenosis happens because of regular degenerative changes within the spine as you age. This is called acquired spinal stenosis, and nearly everyone experiences it to some degree by middle age. 

Some common problems that may develop over time and trigger acquired spinal stenosis include disc herniation, bony growths from osteoarthritis, and spinal compression fractures (often related to osteoporosis). 

Though rare, spinal stenosis may be present from birth (congenital spinal stenosis).

What are the treatments for spinal stenosis?

If left untreated, spinal stenosis can progressively worsen, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues. The treatment approach depends on the problems that triggered it (for example, a herniated disc), the severity of your symptoms, and how the condition affects your daily life. 

Austin Sports Medicine offers a full spectrum of treatment options, from conservative nonsurgical approaches like medication and physical therapy to corticosteroid injections and surgery. 

With comprehensive medical care available under one roof, you can get a complete treatment plan that relieves your pain while preventing spinal stenosis progression. 

If you’re experiencing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness and suspect spinal stenosis, it’s time to call in the experts for help. Call Austin Sports Medicine today to schedule an appointment at the location nearest you, or use the online appointment request form for convenient scheduling.