Spinal Stenosis Treatment in the DMV
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Most commonly caused by changes in the spine due to osteoarthritis, Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of space within your spine that places pressure on the nerves. The narrowing can happen at various places within your spine, but will often cause the same symptoms due to the compression of the nerves. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and/or pain that travels down your legs.
Seek relief from spinal stenosis with the expertise of Dr. Talal Ghazal, our leading interventional pain specialist. Schedule an appointment today by calling (703) 892-6500. For patients whose spinal stenosis symptoms don’t improve with conservative treatment, spine surgeons Corey J. Wallach, MD and Christopher Seidel, DO may recommend minimally-invasive spine surgery.
While spinal stenosis may be something one is born with or caused by osteoarthritis, other causes can include:
- Herniated disks
- Tough or thickened ligaments
- Tumors
- Injuries to your spine
- Overgrowth of bone
Types of Spinal Stenosis
Because the condition can occur at different locations within the spine, it is classified based on the area affected. Cervical stenosis is when the narrowing occurs in the neck, while lumbar stenosis is when the narrowing occurs in the lower part of your back. Lumbar stenosis is cited as the most common form of spinal stenosis.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Based on the location of stenosis, the symptoms may either be non-existent, or range in severity. The most common symptoms will include:
- Numbness, weakness, or tingling in your limbs (hand, arm, foot, or leg)
- Issues with balance and walking.
- Neck or back pain.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed, it’s important to get checked by Dr. Ghazal. While the issue may not be spinal stenosis, there may be an underlying cause that requires treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
After discussing your symptoms with Dr. Ghazal, a physical examination will be conducted to determine the severity and root of the issue. In addition, imaging tests may be ordered including X-rays, MRIs, or CTs. These will allow Dr. Ghazal, to further see the exact location of stenosis to classify and design a treatment plan.
The treatment plan designed for you will depend strongly on the severity of the pain and the location of the stenosis. If the symptoms are mild, Dr. Ghazal may discuss home relief such as mild exercises. If these do not work, but the symptoms are still not severe, Dr. Ghazal, may prescribe pain relievers or antidepressants to ease the pain.
Further treatment often starts with physical therapy and progresses from there. Treatment plans for severe symptoms may include:
- Steroid injections
- Massage therapy and acupuncture
- Chiropractic treatment
- Decompression procedures
- Surgery such as:
- Laminectomy
- Laminotomy
- Laminoplasty
- Minimally invasive options
Minimally-Invasive Surgery for Spinal Stenosis
For patients with moderate to severe spinal stenosis that does not improve with conservative treatment, minimally-invasive spine surgery may provide lasting relief. These advanced techniques are designed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves while minimizing disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues.
Compared to traditional open procedures, minimally-invasive spine surgery often offers several benefits, including:
- Smaller incisions
- Reduced muscle damage
- Less post-operative pain
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery times
- Earlier return to daily activities
Depending on your condition and the location of stenosis, minimally-invasive treatment options may include procedures such as laminectomy, laminotomy, decompression surgery, or other targeted spinal techniques designed to restore space within the spinal canal and reduce nerve compression.
At Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic, our specialists work closely with each patient to determine whether minimally-invasive surgery is the right option based on symptoms, imaging findings, and overall spine health.
Meet Our Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgeons
Patients at Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic have access to experienced spine surgeons who specialize in advanced minimally-invasive procedures for spinal conditions, including spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, nerve compression, and spinal instability.
Our minimally-invasive spine specialists include:
Using state-of-the-art surgical techniques and individualized treatment planning, our spine surgeons are committed to helping patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy with greater comfort and confidence.
Schedule a Spinal Stenosis Treatment Appointment in the DMV
If you are experiencing symptoms of spinal stenosis, or have questions about your spine health, contact Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ghazal, Dr. Wallach, or Dr. Seidel. Call our offices today at (703) 892-6500.
