How to Know if You Have Spinal Stenosis

Do you often experience back or neck pain that worsens when standing or walking? Spinal stenosis might be the reason. This common condition occurs when the spaces within your spine narrow, placing pressure on the nerves that travel through it.

At Spinal Diagnostics, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating spinal stenosis to help you find relief and restore your mobility.

Common Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

The symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. Common signs include:

Back or neck pain that worsens with movement
Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
Muscle weakness or cramping
Loss of balance or coordination
Difficulty walking or standing for long periods

In more severe cases, spinal stenosis may even affect bladder or bowel control, which requires immediate medical attention.

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis can be caused by a variety of issues, including:

Herniated discs
Bone spurs from osteoarthritis
Thickened ligaments
Spinal injuries
Congenital spinal narrowing

Age-related degeneration is one of the most common contributors, especially in adults over 50.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Our team uses a combination of medical history, physical exams, and imaging tests to diagnose spinal stenosis. This may include:

X-rays to check for bone changes or narrowing
MRIs to identify soft tissue conditions like herniated discs
CT scans for detailed cross-sectional images of the spine

Once we confirm the diagnosis, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

Treatment Options

Spinal stenosis can often be managed without surgery. We may recommend a combination of the following:

Physical therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications
Epidural steroid injections
Minimally invasive procedures like the Vertiflex™ Spacer

When conservative treatments aren’t enough, surgical options may be considered to relieve nerve pressure and restore function.

If you think you may be suffering from spinal stenosis, don’t wait. Contact Spinal Diagnostics today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward pain relief.

Things to Avoid With Degenerative Disc Disease

Things to Avoid With Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition that affects the spine as we age. It occurs when the intervertebral discs — the cushions between your vertebrae — begin to break down, causing pain, stiffness, and...

The Dangers of Tech Neck

The Dangers of Tech Neck Whether you’re checking social media, answering emails, or watching videos, odds are good you spend several hours a day looking down at a device. Unfortunately, this frequent forward-head posture can strain the muscles in your neck and upper...

When Back Surgery Is Your Best Option

When Back Surgery Is Your Best Option Most people who develop back pain want to avoid surgery — and that’s a great instinct. At Spinal Diagnostics, we always prioritize conservative and minimally invasive treatments first. That said, back surgery remains a necessary...

Everything You Need to Know About mild® for Spinal Stenosis

Everything You Need to Know About mild® for Spinal Stenosis Chronic lower back and leg pain can make daily life incredibly difficult — especially when it’s caused by lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). If conservative therapies haven’t worked and you’re not ready for...

4 Common Migraine Triggers

4 Common Migraine Triggers If you experience migraines, you know how quickly they can disrupt your day. While migraines often seem to strike without warning, identifying your personal triggers can help you prevent or manage future attacks. At Spinal Diagnostics, we...

When Incontinence Disrupts Your Life: Here’s What to Do About It

When Incontinence Disrupts Your Life: Here’s What to Do About It Urinary incontinence affects millions of Americans and can be a frustrating and isolating condition. Whether it’s occasional leaks or a more constant issue, incontinence can interfere with your work,...

How Weather Changes Are Related to Migraines

How Weather Changes Are Related to Migraines Many people who suffer from migraines notice a pattern: their headaches worsen when the weather shifts. While scientists haven’t pinpointed all the mechanisms, there’s growing evidence that weather changes can trigger or...

The Connection Between Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy

The Connection Between Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy About 50% of people with diabetes will eventually develop peripheral neuropathy. This condition affects the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord and most commonly impacts the feet and legs first. At Spinal...

What Many People Don’t Understand About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

What Many People Don’t Understand About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be an incredibly frustrating and isolating experience. Often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, CRPS is a chronic pain condition that typically...

Childhood Trauma and PTSD: Warning Signs and Seeking Support

Childhood Trauma and PTSD: Warning Signs and Seeking Support Childhood trauma can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars that carry into adulthood. In many cases, these early experiences can contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder...