Brain • Spine • Nerve • Non-Surgical First

Washington, DC Area Specialists

Brain • Spine • Nerve • Non-Surgical First

Washington, DC Area Specialists

Washington Neurosurgical Associates

Spinal Stenosis

Washington Neurosurgical Associates

Spinal Stenosis

Washington Neurosurgical Associates

Spinal Stenosis

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine (this can occur in the neck, upper back and low back), which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Pathologically, it is most often driven by osteoarthritis, which leads to thickened ligaments, bone spurs, and bulging discs that constrict the spinal canal. Most common symptoms are difficulty walking, standing or diminished fine motor control.  Management initially relies on conservative treatments like physical therapy, posture/activity modifications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and targeted injections for pain relief. When severe nerve compression causes progressive weakness or significantly limits walking, surgical decompression procedures like a laminectomy are performed to create more space.

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine (this can occur in the neck, upper back and low back), which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Pathologically, it is most often driven by osteoarthritis, which leads to thickened ligaments, bone spurs, and bulging discs that constrict the spinal canal. Most common symptoms are difficulty walking, standing or diminished fine motor control.  Management initially relies on conservative treatments like physical therapy, posture/activity modifications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and targeted injections for pain relief. When severe nerve compression causes progressive weakness or significantly limits walking, surgical decompression procedures like a laminectomy are performed to create more space.

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine (this can occur in the neck, upper back and low back), which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Pathologically, it is most often driven by osteoarthritis, which leads to thickened ligaments, bone spurs, and bulging discs that constrict the spinal canal. Most common symptoms are difficulty walking, standing or diminished fine motor control.  Management initially relies on conservative treatments like physical therapy, posture/activity modifications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and targeted injections for pain relief. When severe nerve compression causes progressive weakness or significantly limits walking, surgical decompression procedures like a laminectomy are performed to create more space.