Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces within your spine become too narrow. This narrowing puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, often leading to pain, numbness, and mobility issues.

It is most common in the lower back (lumbar stenosis) and neck (cervical stenosis).

Common symptoms include:

• Pain or cramping in the lower back, hips, or legs
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
• Relief when leaning forward or sitting (shopping cart sign)
• Neck pain with possible radiating arm symptoms (in cervical stenosis)

• Aging and degenerative disc disease — loss of disc height reduces space for nerves.
• Herniated discs — bulging material can intrude into the spinal canal.
• Bone spurs/arthritis — overgrowth of bone due to osteoarthritis.
• Thickened ligaments — ligaments inside the spine stiffen and bulge inward.
• Congenital narrowing (less common).

As discs degenerate and joints enlarge, the canal narrows further. This “chokes” the spinal nerves, causing increasing pain and functional loss. Left untreated, stenosis can severely limit mobility and quality of life.

• Medications and injections may temporarily reduce inflammation but don’t fix the narrowing.
• Physical therapy helps strengthen surrounding muscles but doesn’t restore nerve space.
• Surgery (laminectomy or fusion) can widen the canal but is invasive and often requires long recovery.

Patients often feel forced to choose between ongoing pain management or surgery.

Is spinal stenosis the same as degenerative disc disease?
Not exactly. Degenerative disc disease can cause spinal stenosis by reducing disc height, but stenosis refers specifically to narrowing of the spinal canal.

Can spinal decompression really help stenosis?
Yes. By restoring disc height and relieving pressure, decompression can open space for nerves — directly addressing the root cause of many stenosis cases.

Will I need surgery?
Most patients with spinal stenosis can find significant relief with non-surgical treatments like decompression, avoiding or delaying surgery.

How soon will I feel better?
Relief varies, but many patients notice reduced leg or back pain within the first few sessions. A full program of decompression and supportive care provides the best long-term results.