Spinal Stenosis Los Angeles

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal and is often the result of osteoarthritis. This narrowing of the spinal canal can cause a pinching of the spinal cord, spinal nerves or nerve roots which can lead to pain, numbness, or muscular symptoms such as muscle weakness or cramping.

Facts about spinal stenosis

Anyone over the age of 50 could be at risk of developing spinal stenosis but in some patients with a family history of spinal conditions, it can be much earlier in life
The effects of spinal stenosis can be managed and treated through regular exercise and maintaining strength, flexibility, and good muscle tone
The disease can vary in how it impacts people, making your entire medical history known is the best way to help in diagnosing spinal stenosis
It can affect any part of the spine but most often the lumbar or cervical spine
There is currently no cure for spinal stenosis but there are many treatment options available and actions you can take, such as exercising, that will help you to maintain your mobility and wellness.
Patients most often are followed clinically for this condition without needing surgery

Symptoms of spinal stenosis

People who have developed lumbar spinal stenosis often complain of severe pain in the legs or lower back especially while walking or standing. Often this pain is relieved by sitting or leaning over something supportive. Pain may occur rapidly when walking uphill or downhill rather than when walking on a level surface.

People who have cervical spinal stenosis will experience changes in the spinal cord which affect the arms and hands and changes their ability to walk. People can experience spasticity in the legs from the spinal cord being damaged in the neck or thoracic spine.

There are instances where people develop a narrow spinal cord, but they do not have any symptoms of pain or pinched nerves. Often spinal stenosis is solely used to refer to the symptoms since there are people with a narrow or narrowing spinal cord that experience no symptoms.

Spinal stenosis as a part of everyday life

For people who are living with spinal stenosis in Los Angeles, it is a constant factor that must be considered with their daily routines. The symptoms must be managed, and activities must be avoided that can trigger pain and discomfort. Ensuring that you are staying mobile is key if you are developing or have developed spinal stenosis. Keeping your muscles strong through regular exercise and doing any exercises recommended by your physiotherapist. Swimming is an option for exercise that has low impact on the body. Posture improvement and doing exercises that promote balance and mindfulness in addition to stress management are also important to achieve the right mind-body balance!

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How can the symptoms of spinal stenosis be treated?

There are a few options for the treatment of spinal stenosis in Santa Monica that can provide relief of painful symptoms.

Exercise and physical therapy

A physical therapist can suggest many different exercises that you can do that will maintain and enhance your mobility, increase your strength, and restore flexibility. These exercises can reduce pain and discomfort and help you to stay on top of the symptoms. A physical therapist can also suggest options to reduce muscle cramping.

Stress management, weight loss, postural awareness are also integral parts of care for your spine.

Medications

Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication can be suggested or prescribed. There is also the option of having cortisone injections directly into the area around the spinal cord to reduce the inflammation there. Opiate medications are not recommended for pain unless in the acute phase or post surgically for a short period of time.

Surgery

In severe cases surgery may be suggested to open up the spinal canal and remove any bony spurs or deposits that are constricting the canal. Some vertebrae may be fused together to provide extra support to the spine. This is not a cure for spinal stenosis, but it can alleviate the pain caused by the presence of pinched nerves in the narrowed canal. The vast majority of patients with spinal stenosis in Los Angeles can be treated with minimally invasive surgery and rapid restoration of function and improvement of their quality of life.

What can the team at Achieve Brain & Spine do for spinal stenosis?

The team at Achieve Brain & Spine will assess your condition and make a diagnosis so that the correct treatments can be performed. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team will make every effort to educate you on the disease and your options once you have been diagnosed. The most advanced and progressive treatment options are available at Achieve Brain & Spine, so you will feel confident in the care of highly competent hands. Together with you and your family’s support, we will achieve your best results in a team approach.

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