Up to 11% of Americans have spinal stenosis, a condition where your spine narrows and compresses your nerves. Nasser Ani, MD, FACS, FRCS(C), at Ani Orthopaedics in Hazlet, Old Bridge, and Middletown, New Jersey, diagnoses spinal stenosis and offers customized treatments to ease your discomfort and help you maintain an active and fulfilling life. If you have back pain or radiating weakness or numbness in your arms or legs, call Ani Orthopaedics or make an appointment online today.
Spinal stenosis is an orthopaedic condition where your spine narrows. It reduces the space available for your nerves to travel through your spine, resulting in nerve compression. Spinal stenosis most often occurs in your lower spine and neck.
The nerve compression that results from spinal stenosis causes symptoms that may include pain as well as numbness and weakness in your arms, hands, legs, and feet. Spinal stenosis in your lumbar spine can cause sciatica. If left untreated, severe spinal stenosis can cause complications such as incontinence, poor balance, or paralysis.
In some cases, spinal stenosis is a congenital condition. However, spinal stenosis usually develops over time. Some of the conditions that lead to spinal stenosis include:
Your risk of spinal stenosis increases as you get older. The condition is most often diagnosed in patients over the age of 50.
Dr. Nasser Ani uses thorough physical exams and diagnostic imaging studies, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to diagnose spinal stenosis. He talks to you about your symptoms and your personal and family medical history to gauge your risk and identify any conditions that could contribute to your symptoms.
Dr. Nasser Ani provides customized treatment for spinal stenosis depending on your symptoms and the location of the narrowed part of your spine. He prescribes medication to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and to manage your pain. Dr. Nasser Ani might also recommend and perform spinal injections, sacroiliac joint injection, epidural, or facet injections to relieve your pain.
You may also benefit from physical therapy to build strength and flexibility in the muscles surrounding your spine. Physical therapy can improve spinal support and improve your balance, reducing your risk of falls or other accidents.
In severe cases, Dr. Nasser Ani may recommend surgery to increase the space available in your nerves. These operations are often referred to as decompression procedures such as laminectomy, laminotomy, and laminoplasty. He performs both traditional and minimally invasive surgeries, depending on the severity of your condition.
If you have symptoms of spinal stenosis, call Ani Orthopaedics or schedule a consultation online today for expert diagnosis and customized treatments.
