Spinal Stenosis Specialist
-
- Tweet
Skilled Pain Care Clinic
Anesthesiologists & Pain Management Physicians located in Houston, TX & Katy, TX
If you experience symptoms like numbness and pain in your neck and back, you could be suffering from spinal stenosis, a condition that puts pressure on the nerves in your spine. At Skilled Pain Care Clinic in Houston and Katy, Texas, Syed Nasir, MD, and his team offer safe and effective treatment for spinal stenosis. To discuss your symptoms with Dr. Nasir, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Spinal Stenosis Q & A
What is spinal stenosis?
The spinal canal forms a space through which your spinal cord travels. When that space narrows, that’s called spinal stenosis. This then increases pressure on your nerves, resulting in pain that can worsen over time.
The symptoms of spinal stenosis include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking
In severe cases, spinal stenosis can cause loss of bladder and bowel control.
Although spinal stenosis can affect any area of your spinal canal, it’s most common in the neck (cervical stenosis) and lower back (lumbar stenosis). If left untreated, the numbness and pain caused by spinal stenosis can become permanent.
What causes spinal stenosis?
Although some people are born with a narrow spinal canal, the most common cause of spinal stenosis is wear-and-tear on the spine caused by osteoarthritis. Advanced osteoarthritis can cause bone spurs (abnormal outgrowths of bone) to grow into the spinal canal.
Herniated discs are another common cause of spinal stenosis. The cushiony discs in your spine act as shock absorbers for your vertebrae.
Over time, these discs can wear down and crack. Cracks in the outer portion of your disc allow the inner gellike material to seep or bulge out, resulting in a herniated disc that presses against the nerves in your spine.
Additional causes of spinal stenosis include tumors, thickened ligaments, and spinal injuries.
During your appointment, Dr. Nasir carries out a number of evaluations, including a physical exam and imaging tests, to determine the underlying cause of your condition. Treatment for your spinal stenosis will depend on the area and severity of your condition.
How is spinal stenosis treated?
Conservatively treating spinal stenosis focuses on reducing your pain and maintaining the strength and flexibility of your spine and supporting muscles.
Minor spinal stenosis can be addressed with simple self-care like maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly. Depending on your condition, Dr. Nasir could recommend a number of treatments, including:
- Physical therapy
- Pain medication
- Steroid injections
Skilled Pain Care Clinic specializes in personalized interventional pain management. To find out which treatment is right for your spinal stenosis, book your visit by phone or online today.
