Kellogg Brain and Spine
Spinal Disorders & Neurosurgeon located in Portland, OR & Wilsonville, OR
If the spaces in your spine start narrowing and putting pressure on nerves, you have a condition called spinal stenosis. This painful condition is easily treatable with the help of Jordi X. Kellogg, MD, and the team at Kellogg Brain and Spine. Since the practice has two state-of-the-art locations in Portland and Wilsonville, Oregon, you have an office nearby to get the treatment you need. Call Kellogg Brain and Spine to schedule an appointment or request one using the online booking tool today.
Spinal Stenosis Q & A
What causes spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces surrounding your spinal canal or nerve roots start narrowing. You can develop this chronic condition in your upper back (thoracic), neck (cervical), or, more commonly, in your lower back (lumbar).
In some cases, you’re just born with a small spinal canal, which leads to symptoms related to pinched spinal nerves later on in life. But you can also develop spinal stenosis issues due to:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Tumors, cysts, or abnormal growths
- Thickened ligaments
- Bone spurs
Spinal stenosis can even occur because of trauma, such as a car accident or slip and fall. You’re more likely to develop spinal stenosis if you’re over the age of 50.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis can help you better understand when it’s time to seek medical intervention.
Does spinal stenosis have symptoms?
Not always. In fact, some men and women don’t even know they have spinal stenosis until they have an MRI or CT scan. But as the condition progresses, you’re more likely to experience symptoms of pinched nerves, like:
- Neck or back pain
- Balancing issues
- Difficulty walking
- Weakness in your extremities
Depending on where your spinal stenosis-related nerve damage is located, you may also have bowel issues or urinary incontinence. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to head to Kellogg Brain and Spine to get started on your personalized treatment plan.
How is spinal stenosis treated?
Your spinal stenosis treatment plan from Kellogg Brain and Spine is tailored to your condition and the severity of your symptoms. Conservative measures for treating spinal stenosis can include:
- Nerve root blocks
- Corticosteroid injections
- Prescription painkillers
- Physical therapy
- Antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
If these conservative therapies aren’t providing relief, you might be a candidate for spinal stenosis surgery. This procedure can include lumbar fusion, which can stabilize or reshape bones to take the pressure off of compressed nerves. No matter which type of treatment is right for you, the dedicated team at Kellogg Brain and Spine cares for you every step of the way.
Get relief from spinal stenosis discomfort by booking your consultation at Kellogg Brain and Spine as soon as possible. Call the office nearest you or book online today.