Looking for Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Dallas? Read This First
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If you are looking for spinal stenosis treatment in Dallas, you are not alone. Around a quarter to half a million suffer from symptoms of spinal stenosis in the US alone. That’s around one of every 1000 people above 65 years of age and five of every 1000 people below 65 years old but above 50 years.
The number of people suffering from spinal stenosis will only increase in the near future as more Americans get old.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
The spine is composed of vertebrae, which are small bones stacked over one another. Other parts that form the whole spine are muscles, nerves, ligaments, and intervertebral disks. Understanding the anatomy of your spine can help you understand spinal stenosis better.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the most common causes of neck, leg, and low back pain. Our spines change as we get older. The effects of aging include the normal wear-and-tear of our body parts. This can lead to the narrowing of the spaces within the spine. This increases the pressure on the nerves that line the spine which can result in pain.
Spinal stenosis usually occurs in the neck and the lower back. When it’s in the neck, it’s called cervical stenosis. When it’s in the lower back, it’s called lumbar stenosis.
You may already have spinal stenosis but may not be experiencing any symptoms associated with the disease. Others, though, may experience tingling, pain, muscle weakness, and numbness, and these symptoms may worsen over time.
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Many people are asymptomatic even though they already have spinal stenosis as shown via CT scan or MRI. But when symptoms do appear, they usually start gradually then gets worse over time. The symptoms may also vary depending on where the stenosis is located and also the nerves affected.
Cervical spine (in the neck)
- Weakness in one or both legs, feet, or arms
- Tingling or numbness in one or both legs, feet or arms
- Problems maintaining balance and walking properly
- Mild to severe neck pain
- In severe spinal stenosis cases, patients may suffer from bladder or bowel dysfunction, which may lead to incontinence or urinary urgency
Lumbar spine (in the lower back)
- Tingling or numbness in one or both legs or feet
- Weakness in one or both legs or feet
- Cramping or pain in one or both legs when the patient stands for an extended period of time. This may also occur while walking and often eases when the patient sits or bends forward.
When you experience any of the symptoms stated above, you should see your doctor immediately, so you can be diagnosed properly.
Spinal Stenosis Causes
The spine or backbone runs from the neck to the lower back. The bones running along the spine form what is called a spinal canal that protects the spinal cord or the nerves.
Some people are naturally born with small spinal canals. Most spinal stenosis cases, though, occur when something causes the open space in the spine narrows down. The following may cause spinal stenosis:
Bone overgrowth. Damage caused by osteoarthritis on the spinal bones may trigger bone spurs to form and may reach the spinal canal. One bone disease called the Paget’s disease can cause an overgrowth of bones in the spine and usually affects adults.
Thickened ligaments. Ligaments are cords that help hold bones together and these can become thickened and stiffed over time. The thickened ligaments may also invade the spinal canal.
Herniated disks. There are soft disk cushions between the vertebrae that help absorb shock and these may dry as you age. Cracks in the exterior of a disk may also cause its internal soft material to ‘leak’ and put pressure on the nerves or the spinal cord.
Spinal injuries. Physical trauma caused intentionally or accidentally may cause fracture or dislocation of the vertebrae. The displaced bone may cause damage to the spinal canal.
Tumors. Abnormal growths may form within the spinal cord, inside the membranes covering the spinal cord, or between the vertebrae and spinal cord. These growths are rare and can easily be identified through a CT scan or MRI.
Best Solution for Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis treatment depends on its location and how severe the symptoms and signs are. If you’re in Plano, TX, it’s best that you talk to a doctor for the available lumbar spinal stenosis treatment in Plano if that is your medical case.
Your doctor may prescribe medications such as pain relievers, anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, and even opioids to help in managing the pain. Physical therapy may also be recommended as it can help improve your balance, maintain your spine’s stability and flexibility, and build up your endurance and strength. Other non-surgical options include decompression procedure and steroid injections.
Spinal Stenosis Surgery
If the treatments mentioned above failed to alleviate your symptoms and your spinal stenosis has become debilitating, you may consider surgery. When done by highly-qualified surgeons, surgeries lead to fewer complications.
There are different surgery options for patients suffering from spinal stenosis such as laminectomy, laminotomy, and laminoplasty. There’s one option, though, that is less risky and it’s called minimally invasive back surgery.
If you’re looking for a minimally invasive surgery clinic in Plano, you can depend on the Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas. Our clinic is located in Plano, TX and it’s owned and managed by the best spine doctor in Dallas, Dr. Scott Kutz, MD.
So if you’re looking for a clinic that offers spinal stenosis treatment in Dallas, call us now at (972) 244-3491 to book an appointment or to learn more about the options available for your spinal stenosis including minimally invasive surgery.
