Spine Conditions A-Z
- Bulging Disc
- Disc Degeneration
- Disc Tear
- Failed Back & Neck Surgery
- Facet Joint Disease
- Foraminal Stenosis
- Herniated Disc
- Pinched Nerve
- Radiculitis
- Radiculopathy
- Sciatica
- Spinal Bone Spurs
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
More Spinal Stenosis Information
Spinal Stenosis
What Is Lumbar or Cervical Stenosis of the Spine?
Stenosis, by definition, means narrowing. Spinal stenosis refers to the slow progressive narrowing of the space in your spine reserved for your spinal cord and other spinal nerves. It is a condition that becomes more common as we age and can have a severe impact on our daily lifestyle and activity level if left untreated. Think about spinal stenosis as if the walls of your spine are slowly closing in on your spinal cord. If left untreated, the walls will eventually crush in on the cord making the section practically useless while causing enormous amounts of pain.
Spinal stenosis is not something that happens over night, it is almost always preceded by more common conditions such as bone spurs, disc herniations, disc bulges, disc tears or scarring from previous treatments. Over time, if these other conditions are left un-treated, stenosis of the spine will occur so it is very important to be pro-active in dealing with your pain.
Note From Dr. LiuTreatment for spinal stenosis in the early stages will be less complicated than if it progresses further.
Spinal Canal Narrowing Found in Spinal Stenosis
In figure 1a. you see what a normal healthy spine should look like. There is no evidence of spinal canal narrowing; therefore there is no pressure being placed on the spinal cord / nerves. In figure 1b. you can see that there is evidence of spinal canal narrowing that is found in cases of spinal stenosis. The narrowing is constricting the spinal cord and surrounding nerves causing pain and other symptoms.
Figure 1a. Healthy spine with no canal narrowing.
Figure 1b. Spinal canal narrowing caused by spinal stenosis.
If you think you are suffering from spinal stenosis you should know that there are different stages of stenosis and that the treatment you need will be different depending on what stage your stenosis is in.
Are you suffering from Spinal Stenosis?
To help determine what stage of spinal stenosis you are at, we offer a very simple 3 step process that will help provide you the answers you need to make the most informed decision you can on what treatment is best for you.
Begin 3 Step Diagnosis ProcessNeed assistance, or for answers to any questions you have please contact us now or call (877) 272-4535.