Spinal Stenosis

Relief from spinal stenosis begins with an accurate diagnosis. The team at TriHealth Orthopedics & Sports Institute and Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine are here to help. We’ll answer your questions and make sure you get the testing, care and attention you deserve. Together, we’ll get you back to living a life with less pain and more comfort.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the area around your spine. The condition occurs as you age, but other conditions can also cause spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis can occur anywhere along the spine. It’s most common in the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine). As the spinal canal narrows, it puts pressure on the surrounding nerves. This can cause pain, which is often the most common symptom of spinal stenosis.

Spinal stenosis causes

Spinal stenosis can be caused by several spinal conditions, including:

• Herniated disc
• Osteoarthritis
• Spinal injuries
• Spinal tumors 
• Thickened ligaments

Spinal stenosis symptoms

Symptoms of spinal stenosis usually worsen over time and can include:

• Back pain
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction
• Neck pain
• Numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand, foot, arm or leg
• Pain or cramping in legs
• Problems walking or with balance

Spinal stenosis treatment

Our spinal specialists work closely with you to create a plan that eases symptoms and reduces pain. We also start with a conservative approach before recommending surgery. Your treatment options may include:

• Physical therapy – Stretching and strengthening exercises, guided by a certified physical therapist, can improve flexibility and stability of the spine, build strength and endurance and even improve your balance.
• Steroid injections – Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and help relieve pain caused by spinal stenosis.
• Medicine – Over-the-counter and prescription medicine can help relieve chronic pain, reduce inflammation and help you find comfort.
• Acupuncture – Thin needles are inserted into specific spots along the spine to trigger the release of certain chemicals into the body, helping reduce pain. Acupuncture is typically used along with traditional treatment, like pain management or physical therapy.
• Massage – Medical massage therapy can help reduce inflammation, ease pain and provide relief from certain back conditions. Your doctor may recommend massage therapy along with other treatments.
• Laminectomy – If conservative treatment doesn’t help relieve symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery. Laminectomy is the most common surgery. It removes the back part of the affected vertebra to create more space along the spinal cord.

Spinal stenosis risk factors

The most common risk factor for spinal stenosis is aging. Other risk factors include:

• Genetic disease
• Scoliosis
• Trauma

Make an appointment

Our spinal specialists are here to help you get stronger and return to good health. Find the right treatment for you. To learn more or make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist: Call TriHealth at 513 246 2300 or our orthopedic partner, Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, at 513 354 3700.