Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces inside your spinal bones get too narrow. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves and causes pain.

In most cases, spinal stenosis occurs in your neck or lower back. Middle-back stenosis can occur, but is rare.

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Symptoms of spinal stenosis

Symptoms are unique to each patient and largely depend on the part of the spine where stenosis occurs.

Cervical (neck) stenosis:

Loss of coordination, dexterity, and/or balance
Shooting pain down the arm
Radiating pain or tingling sensations
Sharp or sudden pain in the arms caused by neck movement

Thoracic (mid-back) stenosis:

Difficulty walking or standing upright
Loss of coordination, dexterity, and/or balance
Bowel or bladder incontinence
Loss of sexual function
Radiating pain in a belt-like distribution across the torso

Lumbar (lower-back) stenosis:

Back pain or leg symptoms that worsen with activity
Numbness, tingling, or pins-and-needles sensation in the legs
Shooting pain down the legs or buttocks (sciatica)
Tired or heavy legs when walking

Treatment

Treatment for spinal stenosis may vary depending on the location of the pain, the severity of the pain, and how difficult it is for you to perform everyday activities.

Seek immediate care if you experience painful or activity-limiting symptoms in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, trouble moving your arms or legs, loss of feeling in your extremities, numbness in your pelvic region, or difficulty emptying your bladder/severe constipation.

1 / At-home treatment

At-home treatment for spinal stenosis can include applying heat or ice, as well as exercise to relieve pain.

If you are still experiencing pain after a few weeks, you should speak with your primary care doctor.

2 / Conservative treatment

Your primary care doctor may offer conservative treatment options if your pain continues. These options may include prescription medications, physical therapy, or steroid injections.

3 / Surgical treatment

Your primary care doctor will only suggest surgery if no other treatment options have been successful. Most people with spinal stenosis don't need surgery.

The type of surgery you undergo may vary depending on what's causing your spinal stenosis, but may include decompression surgery or spinal fusion. Our specialists will help you decide which treatment option(s) will best meet your needs.

Prevention

In most cases, spinal stenosis develops as we age and our bodies begin to break down. Because of this, there is no way to completely prevent stenosis, but you can take steps to keep your spine healthy and possibly lower your risk of developing severe conditions.

Eat healthy foods. To keep you bones strong, make sure your diet includes foods that are rich in calcium.
Maintain good posture.
Maintain a healthy weight. Alongside your primary care doctor, you can create a plan for eating and physical activity that allows you to reach and maintain a healthy weight for your body.
Quit or avoid using tobacco products (including vaping). Nicotine lowers the supply of blood to your bones, which can weaken your spine.
Stay active. Core strength and flexibility can keep your spine strong and healthy.

Why choose University of Utah Neurosurgery Spine Group?

We are the destination for complex spine patients in the Mountain West. Our spine surgeons perform a high volume of procedures each year, and are both experienced and successful. We also publish our research findings for other physicians and surgeons to learn.

With the University of Utah Health Neurosurgery Spine Group, you will receive care from an experienced team of experts who are national leaders in spine surgery and train residents, fellows, and other physicians.