Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spaces within your spine narrow, placing pressure on your spinal cord and nerves. By age 50, up to 95% of adults show degenerative changes in the spine, and many develop spinal stenosis symptoms by age 60.

At Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care, our specialists focus on nonsurgical treatments for spinal stenosis and other chronic nerve-related pain conditions. With offices in Hobart, LaPorte, Merrillville, Munster and Valparaiso, Indiana, our specialists use cutting-edge therapies to target the source of your pain safely and effectively.

If you experience neck or lower back pain, numbness, or tingling that could be related to spinal stenosis, call us at (219)476-7246 or request an appointment online today.

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, compressing the spinal cord or spinal nerves. This can result from:

• Bone overgrowth, often due to osteoarthritis
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Spinal fractures or dislocations
• Thickened ligaments or other soft tissue changes
  
  

Spinal stenosis can occur in different regions:

• Cervical stenosis: Affects the neck and can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms and hands
• Lumbar stenosis: Affects the lower back and can lead to sciatica-like pain, radiating down the legs
  

Although some people may be born with a narrower spinal canal, most cases develop gradually due to degenerative changes over time.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Symptoms depend on the location and severity of nerve compression:

Cervical (neck) stenosis may cause:

• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the arms, hands, or shoulders
• Weakness in upper extremities
• Difficulty with fine motor skills
  
  

Lumbar (lower back) stenosis may cause:

• Sciatica: sharp, burning, or radiating pain from the lower back into the buttocks and legs
• Leg weakness or numbness
• Reduced walking endurance or balance issues

Severe spinal stenosis can also affect bladder or bowel control, which requires immediate medical attention. Untreated stenosis can lead to permanent nerve damage.

How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?

CPC specialists perform a comprehensive evaluation, including:

• Review of medical history and symptoms
• Physical examination focusing on strength, reflexes, and sensation
• Imaging studies such as X-rays to detect bone changes and MRI scans to evaluate discs and nerve compression

Accurate diagnosis helps identify the specific location and severity of stenosis, guiding a targeted treatment plan.

How is spinal stenosis treated?

Treatment is tailored to your symptoms, overall health, and severity of spinal narrowing. Common nonsurgical approaches include:

• Medication management: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants
  
  
• Interventional injections: Steroid injections or trigger point injections to reduce inflammation and relieve nerve pain
  
  
• Physical therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises to improve spinal stability and mobility
  
  
• Activity modification: Ergonomic adjustments and low-impact exercises to reduce stress on the spine

In some cases, spinal decompression therapy may be recommended to increase space in the spinal canal and relieve nerve pressure. This procedure may require anesthesia and is considered when conservative measures are insufficient.

Early intervention is critical to prevent progression and reduce the risk of permanent nerve damage.

Get Expert Care for Spinal Stenosis

If you experience persistent neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, or leg weakness, CPC can provide personalized, nonsurgical treatment options designed to improve function and reduce pain.

Call us at 219-476-7246 or request an appointment online today for expert spinal stenosis evaluation and care.