Understanding Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a compression of the spinal cord that generally occurs in one of two regions of the spine: the cervical spine, which is in the neck, or the lumbar spine, which is in the lower back. If you’re worried you’re suffering from spinal stenosis in Los Angeles , visit a spine center for diagnosis and treatment options.

Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis include lower back pain and tingling, weakness, or numbness that radiates from the lower back to the buttocks, thighs, and legs. Cervical spinal stenosis is much more serious, as it compresses the spinal cord at a higher position, potentially affecting larger areas of the body. Symptoms can include major body and muscle weakness, numbness, and pain.

If you visit a spine center, the doctor will evaluate the severity of your symptoms and create a treatment plan. If your symptoms are mild, you can explore non-surgical treatment options first. These may include exercise, activity modification, and pain relief procedures such as epidural injections. If your symptoms are severe, you’ll be referred to a spine surgeon for surgical treatment options. These options may include cervical spine surgery or lumbar spine surgery, such as foraminotomy or laminoplasty.