Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Louisiana
Your spinal nerves travel through the spinal canal and exit through openings called foramen. If any of these spaces become too narrow, your nerves are compressed. This is spinal stenosis, a problem that most often affects the neck and lower back. LA Pain Doctor treats spinal stenosis for patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentWhat Causes Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis usually develops gradually as part of the aging process. Over time, several changes can narrow the space available for your spinal cord and nerves:
- Bone spurs from spinal arthritis
- Thickened ligaments along the spinal canal
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Disc degeneration that reduces the space between vertebrae
- Scoliosis or spinal injuries
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar stenosis often causes lower back pain along with pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the legs. A hallmark symptom is pain that worsens when standing or walking and improves when sitting or leaning forward, such as over a shopping cart. Cervical stenosis in the neck may cause neck pain, arm numbness, hand clumsiness, and balance problems.
Diagnosis
Your provider will review your symptoms, perform a physical and neurological exam, and review imaging such as an MRI or CT scan to see where narrowing is occurring and how severely nerves are affected.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Spinal Stenosis
Many patients find meaningful relief without surgery. Epidural steroid injections reduce inflammation around compressed nerves and are a mainstay of treatment. Your provider may recommend a lumbar epidural steroid injections, a lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections for foraminal stenosis, a caudal epidural steroid injections, or cervical epidural steroid injections for stenosis in the neck.
When arthritic facet joints add to your pain, facet joint injections and radiofrequency ablation may help. For chronic leg pain that does not respond to injections, a spinal cord stimulator trial may provide lasting relief. Learn more about sciatica and explore our lower back pain treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Stenosis Treatment
What does spinal stenosis feel like?
It often causes back pain with leg pain, numbness, or weakness that worsens with walking or standing and improves when sitting or bending forward.
Can spinal stenosis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients improve with epidural steroid injections, physical therapy, and other non-surgical treatments.
Why does leaning forward help my pain?
Bending forward slightly opens the spinal canal, relieving pressure on compressed nerves.
Does spinal stenosis get worse over time?
It often progresses slowly. Treatment can help manage symptoms and maintain function.
Can stenosis occur in the neck?
Yes. Cervical stenosis can cause neck pain, arm numbness, and balance issues and should be evaluated promptly.
When is surgery recommended?
Surgery may be considered when symptoms are severe, progressive, or do not respond to non-surgical care.
Where can I get spinal stenosis treatment?
LA Pain Doctor treats spinal stenosis at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Walk Farther With Less Pain
Relief from spinal stenosis is possible without surgery. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.