Spinal Stenosis Treatment in San Antonio

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spine become narrowed, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerves. This condition most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar spine) and the neck (cervical spine). As the spinal canal narrows, nerves may become compressed, leading to pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking.

At MD Spine Care in San Antonio, our spine specialists evaluate the underlying cause of spinal stenosis and help patients understand appropriate treatment options based on the severity of their symptoms.

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Common Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the location of the narrowing and the nerves involved. Many patients experience symptoms that gradually worsen over time.

Common symptoms may include:

Lower back pain
Neck pain
Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
Weakness in the arms or legs
Pain that worsens when standing or walking
Difficulty walking long distances
Relief when sitting or bending forward

Lumbar spinal stenosis often causes leg pain or heaviness when walking, while cervical spinal stenosis may affect the arms, hands, or balance.

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis most often develops as part of the natural aging process. Over time, structural changes in the spine can narrow the spinal canal and place pressure on nerves.

Common causes include:

Degenerative Disc Changes
As spinal discs lose height and flexibility, the space within the spinal canal may decrease.
Bone Spurs (Arthritis)
Arthritic changes in the spine can cause bone growth that narrows the spinal canal.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc can extend into the spinal canal and compress nearby nerves.
Thickened Ligaments
Ligaments that support the spine may thicken over time and contribute to narrowing of the spinal canal.

How Is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. A spine specialist may evaluate strength, sensation, balance, and walking ability to assess nerve function.

Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, are often used to visualize the spinal canal and determine whether spinal canal narrowing is compressing the spinal cord or nerves.

Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis:

Many patients with spinal stenosis can be treated with conservative care before surgery is considered.

Treatment options may include:

Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles and improve mobility
Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation
Activity modification
Image-guided injections that may help reduce nerve irritation

If symptoms become severe or neurological deficits worsen, surgical treatment may be considered to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.

When to See a Spine Specialist

You should consider evaluation by a spine specialist at MD Spine Care if you experience:

Persistent back or neck pain lasting more than several weeks
Progressive numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
Difficulty walking or performing daily activities
Symptoms that interfere with normal daily activities

Early evaluation can help identify spinal stenosis and determine appropriate treatment options before symptoms worsen.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Stenosis

What is the most common cause of spinal stenosis?
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is age-related degeneration of the spine, including arthritis, disc degeneration, and thickened ligaments.
Can spinal stenosis be treated without surgery?
Many cases of spinal stenosis can be managed with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections.
Does spinal stenosis get worse over time?
In some patients spinal stenosis can gradually progress, which is why evaluation by a spine specialist may be recommended if symptoms worsen.

Schedule a Spine Evaluation in San Antonio

If you are experiencing symptoms such as back pain, leg pain, numbness, or difficulty walking, a comprehensive spine evaluation can help determine whether spinal stenosis or another spine condition may be causing your symptoms.

Schedule a consultation with the spine specialists at MD Spine Care in San Antonio to learn more about your treatment options.

Schedule an Evaluation