Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Fort Worth, TX
At the DFW Center for Spinal Disorders, we treat a varying degrees of spine-related issues, including Spinal Stenosis. Although some may not experience any symptoms, spinal stenosis is known to leave many with pain in the neck, arms, or back.
At our DFW locations, our board-certified spine surgeons will sit with you and assess your symptoms to provide the best treatment plans available.
What Are The Different Types of Spinal Stenosis?
The type of spinal stenosis is determined based on the location of the condition. The two most common forms are the following:
Cervical Stenosis
Cervical spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. The spinal canal can squeeze and compress the nerve roots where they leave the spinal cord or it may compress the spinal cord itself.
Squeezing the nerves and cord in the cervical spine can change how the spinal cord functions. The spinal cord is the nerves that allow us to feel, move, and control the bowel and bladder as well as other body functions.
What Are the Symptoms Of Cervical Spinal Stenosis?
- Stiffness in neck
- Weakness in arms causing difficulty using the hands
- Pain and Numbness in hands and/or arms
What Are the Causes Of Cervical Stenosis?
Cervical Stenosis most common factors include:
- Arthritic changes in the neck
- Bone spurs push on nerves and the spinal cord
- Large disc herniations
- Lumbar spinal stenosis – this occurs in the lower back
What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Lumbar spinal stenosis is when the spinal nerves in the lower back are compressed, which often leads to leg pain and other symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms Of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
- Tired, heavy feeling in the back, buttocks, and legs while walking or standing
- Cramping sensation in these areas
- Decreased walking due to weakness, numbness, or pain in the legs
What Causes Lumbar Stenosis?
Degenerative changes limiting nerve space, or osteoarthritis is the most common cause of lumbar stenosis. This gradual wear and tear on the joints over time can cause changes to the spine, especially in those over the age of 50. The lack of blood supply induces symptoms. Besides this most common cause, there are other conditions that can cause spinal stenosis:
- Narrowing of the spinal canal
- Injury to the spine
- Spinal tumor
- Certain bone diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis
How is Spinal Stenosis Treated Non-Invasively
Medications, physical therapy or spinal cortisone injections are all options for pain relief. Surgery is an option for those who do not improve.
Spinal Stenosis Surgery
Cervical Laminectomy
During this procedure, the removal of both the spinous process and lamina help to decrease pressure on the spinal cord. Instrumentation can be used to ensure stability.
Lumbar Decompression
This procedure involves removing all or portions of the lamina, removing bone spurs and/or enlarging the foramen to relieve pressure or compression on the nerve roots or spinal cord. This pressure often is the cause of the pain.
Decompression & Posterolateral Fusion
Oftentimes, in addition to decompression, your surgeon will perform an instrumented posterolateral fusion by inserting a series of screws and rods coupled with the placement of a bone graft. This fusion provides increased spinal stability.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
The surgical approach is from the front of the abdomen. Once the exposure is made, the disc material causing the nerve compression is removed. After removal, an interbody cage or bone spacer is placed at the disc site filled with bone graft. The vertebral bodies above and below are frequently put under compression to aid in the subsequent spinal fusion.
Posterior Transforaminal Interbody Fusion
The same procedure as the ALIF but the approach and exposure are performed from the back. Just as in an ALIF, the disc material is removed and an interbody device is inserted. Compression through the use of pedicle screws is frequently achieved to aid in fusion.
What Happens if Spinal Stenosis is Left Untreated?
Degenerative changes in the spine, a collapsed disc, bone spurs, or cysts can cause the spinal canal to narrow. This narrowing places pressure on the nerve roots and/or spinal cord, often resulting in pain.
Patient Reviews
“My experience with DFW Center for Spinal Disorders has been amazing! Before visiting the providers at DFW Spine Center I was in constant pain. Now I am 2 weeks post op and pain free!”
– Robin M.
Schedule Your Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Fort Worth
If you are experiencing symptoms of a spinal condition including spinal stenosis, contact DFW Center for Spinal Disorders to discuss the type of spinal stenosis present and the treatment options available. To schedule your consultation, please call (817) 916-4685 or request an appointment through our secure online form. Our spine center in Fort Worth is conveniently located for patients in Dallas, Arlington, Mansfield, Burleson, and the surrounding areas.
