Spinal stenosis Treatment in Castle Rock

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This narrowing can occur in the neck (cervical stenosis) or lower back (lumbar stenosis) and can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.

Spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by degenerative changes related to aging, such as arthritis, disc degeneration, or bone spurs. However, it can also result from congenital factors, spinal injuries, or thickened ligaments compressing the nerves.

Several factors contribute to spinal stenosis, including:

• Arthritis: Wear-and-tear changes that cause bone spurs and joint thickening.

• Degenerative Disc Disease: Shrinking or bulging discs that reduce space within the spine.

• Thickened Ligaments: Overgrown spinal ligaments that compress nerves.

• Spinal Injuries: Trauma or previous spine surgery that alters spinal structure.

• Congenital Conditions: Some individuals are born with a smaller spinal canal, making them more prone to stenosis.

Certain factors increase the risk of developing spinal stenosis, such as aging, genetics, previous spinal injuries, and conditions like scoliosis or inflammatory arthritis.

Seek immediate medical attention if spinal stenosis is accompanied by:

• New or worsening bowel or bladder dysfunction

• Severe weakness or numbness in the legs

• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance

• Sudden onset of pain after trauma

• Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss

These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition requiring urgent evaluation.

Dr. Carrera and his team begin with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination, assessing for symptoms such as pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs and difficulty walking.

If symptoms persist or worsen, imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition. Insurance providers typically require a trial of conservative treatments before approving advanced imaging.

In most cases, spinal stenosis can be managed conservatively if there is no significant numbness, weakness, or loss of function. Treatment options include:

• Physical Therapy: Focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and posture to reduce pressure on the nerves and improve mobility.

• Activity Modification: Avoiding positions or movements that exacerbate symptoms while maintaining an active lifestyle.

• Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI): Deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling in moderate cases.

• Nerve-Relaxing Pain Medications: Drugs such as gabapentin and pregabalin (Lyrica) can help alleviate nerve-related pain.

When Is Surgery Needed?

Surgery is only recommended for severe cases where conservative treatments have failed, or if there is progressive weakness, significant numbness, or difficulty walking. Surgical options include:

• Laminectomy: Removes part of the vertebrae to create space for the nerves. This is done by Dr. Carrera’s surgical colleagues.

• Spinal Cord Stimulator: If surgery has not successfully treated the pain, an implanted device may help interrupt pain signals to the brain.