What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the open spaces within your spine. As those spaces tighten, they place pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that travel through them. It most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar stenosis) and the neck (cervical stenosis). Many people have narrowing on imaging without symptoms; treatment is guided by how you actually feel and function.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis
- Leg pain or cramping while walking or standing that eases when you sit or lean forward (neurogenic claudication) — a hallmark of lumbar stenosis.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet.
- Neck pain with arm symptoms, and sometimes balance or hand-coordination problems, in cervical stenosis.
- Reduced walking distance — needing to stop and rest, or noticing relief when leaning on a shopping cart.
What causes spinal stenosis?
Most spinal stenosis develops from age-related wear and tear: osteoarthritis and bone spurs, thickening of the ligaments, and bulging or herniated discs all reduce the space around the nerves. Less often it is congenital (a naturally narrow canal) or the result of injury, prior surgery, or other conditions.
How we diagnose spinal stenosis
We start with your history and a focused exam of strength, sensation, reflexes, and gait. MRI is the most detailed way to see the nerves and soft tissues; CT or X-ray may add information about the bones. Our specialists match the imaging to your symptoms so the treatment addresses the level of the spine that's actually causing trouble.
Spinal stenosis treatment options
- Physical therapy & activity changes to improve flexibility, strength, and walking tolerance.
- Medications to control pain and inflammation.
- Epidural steroid injections to calm nerve inflammation, coordinated with our pain management team.
- Minimally invasive procedures such as MILD (minimally invasive lumbar decompression) and the Vertiflex indirect decompression system for appropriate candidates.
- Decompression surgery (such as laminectomy), sometimes with fusion, to create more room for the nerves when symptoms are severe or progressive.
We tailor the plan to your anatomy, symptoms, and goals — always starting with the least-invasive option likely to give you lasting relief.
Request an appointment or call (717) 358-0800 to be evaluated by our spine team.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
Lumbar spinal stenosis often causes leg pain, heaviness, or cramping that worsens with standing or walking and eases when you sit or lean forward — a pattern called neurogenic claudication. Cervical stenosis can cause neck pain, arm numbness, and problems with balance or hand coordination.
What causes spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that puts pressure on the nerves. It is most often caused by age-related changes such as arthritis, thickened ligaments, bone spurs, and bulging discs. Less commonly it is present from birth or results from injury.
Can spinal stenosis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients manage spinal stenosis with physical therapy, activity changes, medications, and epidural injections. Minimally invasive options such as MILD or Vertiflex may help, and decompression surgery is considered when symptoms are severe or progressive.
Is spinal stenosis serious?
Spinal stenosis is usually a slowly progressive condition that can often be managed effectively. However, worsening weakness, numbness, or any loss of bladder or bowel control needs prompt evaluation. Call Argires Specialty Group at (717) 358-0800 to schedule an assessment in Lancaster, PA.
Walking shorter distances than you used to?
Spinal stenosis is treatable. Let our spine team evaluate your symptoms and map out your options — from therapy to minimally invasive decompression.
Request an Appointment Call (717) 358-0800