Spinal Stenosis

Institute of Spinal Disorders

Orthopedic Spine Surgery & General Orthopedic Surgery located in Hurst, TX & Fort Worth, TX

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing in your spinal canal. It usually occurs from degenerative changes to your spine as you get older. Though not everyone with spinal stenosis has symptoms, when they occur, they tend to worsen over time. Robert Myles, MD, FAAOS, at the Institute of Spinal Disorders in Hurst and Fort Worth, Texas, offers many innovative treatment options for spinal stenosis, including spine surgery when needed. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today.

Spinal Stenosis Q & A

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis means there’s a narrowing of the space in your spinal canal. When this narrowing occurs, it means there’s less space for your spinal cord and spinal nerve roots, increasing your risk of pinching, compression, or irritation of the spinal nerves leading to neck or back pain.

Spinal stenosis may affect any part of your spine: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) spine. However, it most often occurs in the lumbar and cervical spine.

Though spinal stenosis may occur at any age, it most often develops slowly over time as you get older due to the degenerative changes that occur with age, affecting the spine’s normal structure.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a progressive condition, and you may not have symptoms at first. However, as the narrowing worsens, you may have pain in the neck, mid-back, or lower back that radiates into the arms or legs.

Your pain may worsen when walking, a condition known as claudication. Or, your pain may run down the back of your legs, a symptom of sciatica.

How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?

When you visit the Institute of Spinal Disorders with concerns about radiating neck or back pain, Dr. Myles conducts a comprehensive exam to determine the underlying cause.

He requests X-rays or an MRI to diagnose spinal stenosis.

How is spinal stenosis treated?

Treatment for your spinal stenosis depends on the location of your narrowing, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health. Initially, Dr. Myles takes a conservative approach to care, and your plan may include:

An at-home exercise program
Anti-inflammatory medication
Physical therapy with the on-site therapists
Epidural steroid injections

If your spinal stenosis symptoms worsen and no longer respond to conservative care, Dr. Myles may talk to you about spine surgery. Surgery for spinal stenosis focuses on increasing space in your spinal canal to ease symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Dr. Myles may perform a laminectomy or spinal fusion to treat spinal stenosis. When performing spine surgery, he uses minimally invasive techniques when possible to reduce tissue damage and recovery time.

For expert management of spinal stenosis, schedule an appointment at the Institute of Spinal Disorders by calling the office or booking online today.

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