Spinal Stenosis Specialist

Spinal stenosis is a very common condition characterized by a narrowing in your spinal canal. While many people develop some degree of stenosis as they age, for an unlucky few, stenosis can lead to chronic and debilitating pain. At Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine, experienced interventional pain management specialist Cyril Philip, MD, and his team understand the nature of spinal stenosis and how best to treat it. To learn more about the treatment options for spinal stenosis, call the offices in Franklin and Kenosha, Wisconsin, or book an appointment online today.

Spinal Stenosis Q & A

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a broad diagnosis that describes a narrowing of your spinal canal. The narrowing leads to compression and irritation of your nerves, which can lead to pain. Stenosis generally occurs in your low back, sometimes creating sciatica, or in your cervical spine (your neck).
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What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis can develop in varying degrees, which largely dictates how much pain you feel. In fact, many people have some form of stenosis and are unaware of it because there are no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they commonly present in the following manner:

Lumbar stenosis

The most common symptoms of lumbar stenosis involve pain that radiates down one buttock and leg, or numbness and tingling down your legs. You may also experience general weakness in your legs as well.

Cervical stenosis

Cervical stenosis, or a narrowing of the spinal canal in your neck, is less common but more serious, as it can signal compression of your spinal cord. In this case, the leading symptom is pain that may or may not radiate, accompanied by tingling and numbness, especially in your arms.

Stenosis can also occur in your mid-back or thoracic spine, but this is uncommon.

What causes spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is primarily caused by degenerative conditions, such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or bone spurs.

In fact, most people over the age of 50 start to develop spinal stenosis to some degree. This is a natural part of aging as soft tissue becomes drier and more brittle, especially the discs between your vertebrae.

In less common cases, spinal stenosis is caused by skeletal irregularities, spondylolisthesis, or tumors.

How is spinal stenosis treated?

At Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine, Dr. Philip has a number of effective tools to combat the pain and discomfort associated with spinal stenosis.

To determine which treatment is best for your situation, Dr. Philip performs a full evaluation and works with you to find a plan that best meets your goals.

Your treatment plan may include Vertiflex™ treatment, a decompression procedure involving an implanted device that doesn’t compromise your spinal mobility. The procedure to place the device is minimally invasive.

Another option for spinal stenosis treatment is the MILD® procedure, which is also minimally invasive. Through a small incision, Dr. Philip removes excess ligament tissue to add some extra space in your spinal canal.
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To get expert treatment for spinal stenosis, call Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine or schedule an appointment using the easy online booking tool today.