Cervical and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs in the cervical and/or lumbar spine when the spinal canal and/or nerve passageways (called neuroforamen or foramen) become narrow.  It is a common cause of neck and low back pain.  If the spinal canal is narrowed the disorder is also called central stenosis.  If the foramen is affected, it is referred to as foraminal stenosis.  When either condition develops, the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves are compressed.  Sometimes, patients have both central canal and foraminal stenosis.

Spinal Stenosis

Cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis is a compression problem.  When the spinal cord and/or nerve roots become compressed, symptoms develop.  While some patients are born (congenital) with spinal stenosis, most cases develop in people older than age 50.  Degenerative spinal stenosis, as it may be called, results from normal aging and spinal wear and tear during life.  Injury or trauma can contribute to the development of stenosis symptoms.  For example, neck trauma that occurred months or years before may lead to cervical spinal stenosis.

 

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Cervical

Lumbar
  • Neck pain; not always severe
  • Pain, weakness, or numbness in the shoulders, arms, and legs
  • Burning sensations, tingling, and pins and needles in the involved extremity, such as the arm
  • Hand clumsiness
  • Gait and balance disturbances
  • Low back pain; not always severe
  • Pain, weakness, or numbness in the buttocks or legs
  • Burning, tingling, and pins and needles sensations
  • Difficulty and pain when walking, standing, or bending backwards. 
  • Pain  relieved by resting or leaning forward

In severe cases, cervical and/or lumbar spinal stenosis may cause:

  • Bladder and/or bowel problems
  • Loss of function or paraplegia (rare)

 

How Spinal Stenosis is Diagnosed

Dr. Frazier's comprehensive diagnostic process includes:

  • Medical history.  Dr. Frazier talks to you about your symptoms, their severity, and what treatments you have already tried.
  • Physical examination.  You are carefully examined for movement limitations, balance problems, and pain.  During the exam, Dr. Frazier evaluates possible loss of extremity reflexes, muscle weakness, loss of sensation, or other signs of a neurological problem.
  • Diagnostic tests.  Dr. Frazier may initially order plain x-rays, which help rule out other problems, such as a tumor or infection.  CT scans and MRIs are performed to obtain more detail about your spinal problem, such as evidence of a herniated disc or osteophytes (bony growths).   Sometimes, Myelography is performed.  Myelography involves injecting contrast dye into the spinal column to visually enhance areas where the spinal cord or nerve roots may be compressed.

 

Complete and Compassionate Care

In addition to an accurate diagnosis, conservative or surgical treatment, and pain management, Dr. Frazier and his professional staff have a deep commitment to patient education.  By helping you to understand the cause of your condition, we can help you eliminate risk factors and instill spine healthy habits for a lifetime.  While you are under our care, Dr. Frazier and his medical staff will provide you with trustworthy information to help you recover, minimize risk factors, and stay healthy.