Spinal Stenosis

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which houses your spinal cord and nerves. This narrowing can put pressure on nerves and cause a range of symptoms. The condition most often occurs in the lower back (lumbar stenosis) or the neck (cervical stenosis).

In many cases, spinal stenosis develops slowly over time as a result of normal wear and tear on the spine.

Causes & risk factors

Spinal stenosis is usually caused by degenerative changes in the spine, including:

• Osteoarthritis and the formation of bone spurs
• Thickened ligaments
• Bulging or herniated discs
• Spinal injuries or fractures
• Congenital spinal narrowing (you were born with a small spinal canal)
• Tumors or infections (rare)

It is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 50.

Symptoms of spinal stenosis

Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the stenosis:

Lumbar (lower back) stenosis

• Pain or cramping in the legs, especially when standing or walking
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet
• Relief when sitting or bending forward
• Difficulty with balance or walking long distances

Cervical (neck) stenosis

• Neck pain or stiffness
• Numbness or weakness in arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Difficulty with hand coordination
• In severe cases, problems with bladder or bowel control

Diagnosing spinal stenosis

Your Iowa Ortho provider will begin with a detailed medical history and physical exam. To confirm the diagnosis and understand the extent of the stenosis, imaging tests may be recommended:

• X-rays to view spine alignment and bone changes
• MRI to show soft tissue structures and nerve compression
• CT scan with myelogram (dye injected into the spinal canal) for more detailed images

Treatment options

Treatment for spinal stenosis focuses on relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and improving function.

Non-surgical treatment

Most cases are managed effectively without surgery, especially in the early stages:

• Activity modification and posture correction
• Physical therapy to strengthen the back and core muscles
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Epidural steroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation
• Assistive devices (bracing, walking aids) for balance and support

Surgical treatment

If non-surgical methods are no longer effective and symptoms are limiting your quality of life, surgery may be recommended. Common procedures include:

• Laminectomy (removing part of the vertebra to relieve pressure)
• Spinal fusion (joining bones together to stabilize the spine)
• Minimally invasive decompression techniques for faster recovery

Our Iowa Ortho spine surgeons will discuss all your options and help determine the best course of action based on your condition and lifestyle.

Recovery & outlook

With the right treatment plan, many people experience significant pain relief and improved mobility. Recovery depends on the severity of your symptoms and whether surgery is needed. Physical therapy plays an important role in maintaining spinal strength and preventing future flare-ups.

Why choose Iowa Ortho?

Our experienced spine care team offers a full range of services. From non-surgical therapies to advanced surgical techniques.