Spinal Stenosis Specialists in NYC

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the canal of the spine that can cause pressure to be placed on the spinal cord and nerves of the spine. In a healthy spinal column, nerve roots leave the spine via nerve root canals unrestricted. Spinal stenosis occurs when bone and soft tissues begin to grow over the top of the vertebrae and end up covering the nerve root canals.

Types of Spinal Stenosis

There are a few main types of spinal stenosis, including:

• Lumbar spinal stenosis affects your lower back and often causes pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs.
• Cervical spinal stenosis shows up in your neck and can lead to arm pain, tingling, or coordination issues.
• Thoracic spinal stenosis is much less common and affects the middle part of your back.

What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?

It is possible to have spinal stenosis and have no signs or symptoms of the condition. In those who do have symptoms, they usually are gradual symptoms and may become worse over time. Spinal stenosis causes constriction to the nerve roots and can lead to a number of painful and unpleasant symptoms as a result. The most common symptoms of spinal stenosis include:

• Lower back pain
• Leg cramping
• Leg discomfort
• Numbness, weakness, or tingling in your leg, foot, hand, or arm
• Decreased physical activity

Our Board certified doctors

Amr Hosny, MD, MBA, FASABook Now David Chu, MD, FAAPMRBook Now Vivek Mehta, MD, FAAPMRBook Now Deepali Gupta, MD, DABA, DABPMBook Now

Causes of Spinal Stenosis

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is natural wear and tear due to the aging process in which ligaments may thicken, herniated discs or bulging discs may occur, and cysts may form. Arthritis and spinal injuries are also seen as causes of spinal stenosis.

How is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?

First, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and what daily life looks like for you. Then, they’ll do a quick exam — testing your reflexes, strength, and how your nerves are working. If they need a closer look, they might order an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to see if your spine is narrowing or pressing on any nerves. The sooner they spot it, the sooner you can start feeling better.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

You don’t always need surgery to feel better. Many people find relief with:

• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and posture
• Medications like anti-inflammatories or nerve pain relievers
• Epidural steroid injections to calm inflammation and ease pain
• Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and doing low-impact exercises like swimming or biking

Surgical Treatment Options

When symptoms don’t improve or get worse, surgery might be the next step.

Common procedures include:

• Laminectomy, where a small piece of bone or tissue is removed to relieve pressure on the nerves
• Spinal fusion, which joins two or more bones in your spine to make it more stable
• Foraminotomy, which widens the spaces where nerves exit the spine

These options are usually for more advanced cases and aim to reduce pain and improve movement.

Living with Spinal Stenosis: Tips and Management

Living with spinal stenosis doesn’t have to mean giving up your routine.

Here are a few effective ways to manage symptoms:

• Stay Active
  Walk, swim, or do other low-impact exercises to keep your spine flexible and muscles strong.
• Maintain Good Posture
  Sit, stand, and lift with proper alignment to avoid extra strain on your back.
• Use Heat or Ice
  Apply a heating pad or cold pack to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Use Support Devices if Needed
  Braces or canes can help take pressure off the spine and make movement easier.
• Be Consistent
  Daily habits and routine care help control symptoms and improve comfort.

What Do I Do Next?

The first step in treating spinal stenosis is to make an appointment to see an NYC interventional spine specialist for diagnosis and to learn your treatment options.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of spinal stenosis, New York Pain Care offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options. Our expert offers non-surgical methods, including physical therapy and injections, as well as surgical solutions for severe cases. Call us at (212) 604-1300 or book an appointment using the form above. At New York Pain Care, our goal is to get you started on a personalized treatment plan to find relief.

New York Pain Care
20 Squadron Blvd, Suite 290
New City, NY 10956
(212) 242-8160