Spinal Stenosis: Recognizing Symptoms and Exploring Treatment Options

Receive effective and comprehensive support for your spinal stenosis in Reno, NV, by consulting Dr. Ali Nairizi, Dr. Nicholas Carlevato, and Dr. Andrew Wesely of Reno Tahoe Pain Associates.

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spine issues can be among the most troublesome health conditions for anyone to deal with. Even among those conditions, spinal stenosis stands out for being especially difficult to manage if it remains unaddressed.

Spinal stenosis is a condition that develops from nerve damage caused by the gradual narrowing of the spinal column. A separate condition, such as a herniated disc, bone spur, or tumor, usually causes the narrowing. A degenerative condition, such as osteoarthritis or a spinal injury caused by a previous accident, may also contribute to the narrowing issues responsible for spinal stenosis. An individual born with a smaller-than-average spinal canal is also more likely to develop the aforementioned condition.

Interestingly, many cases of spinal stenosis don’t cause symptoms right away. With that said, spinal stenosis can quickly become difficult to handle once it produces symptoms.

Chronic pain is among the main symptoms of spinal stenosis. You may experience pain in your neck, lower back, and legs. Changing the positioning of your body by bending or sitting down can alleviate your pain to some degree while moving around can exacerbate it.

Cramping, numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness are also commonly associated with spinal stenosis. The cramping will mainly remain in your legs, but the other symptoms can affect all your extremities.

Severe cases of spinal stenosis may also include bladder and bowel issues. You may lose control of those bodily functions if you don’t receive proper treatment.

Effectively address your spinal stenosis in Reno, NV, by Dr. Nairizi, Dr. Carlevato, and Dr. Wesely of Reno Tahoe Pain Associates.

What Are the Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis?

Treatments for spinal stenosis depend on the severity of the condition.

If your symptoms are mainly affecting your musculoskeletal system, your doctor can treat your spinal stenosis using medications. Medications that can help relieve your chronic pain, numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness include epidural injections and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Your doctor may also treat spinal stenosis by developing a physical therapy program. The stretches can ease the pressure on your spinal nerves and alleviate cramping. Heat therapy and acupuncture may also be integrated into your physical therapy because they can help ease inflammation.

Surgery can also be used to treat spinal stenosis. Generally speaking, doctors only recommend surgery if the other treatments cannot eliminate your symptoms.

Schedule your spinal stenosis treatment sessions in Reno, NV, by calling 775-384-1127 and speaking to Dr. Nairizi, Dr. Carlevato, and Dr. Wesely of Reno Tahoe Pain Associates.