Spinal stenosis usually occurs after the age of 50 and is treated frequently at our nonsurgical pain relief center.  It is a narrowing of areas in the lumbar (back) or cervical (neck) spine, which causes pressure on the spinal cord or one of more of the spinal nerves.  Spinal stenosis may be caused by:

  • Arthritis involving the spine, usually in middle-aged or elderly people
  • Herniated slipped disc
  • Injury that causes pressure on the nerve roots or the spinal cord itself
  • Defect in the spine that was present from birth (congenital defect)
  • Tumors in the spine

Often, symptoms will be present and gradually worsen over time, according to our nonsurgical back doctor who serves patients in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Hampton Roads.

  • Numbness, tingling, cramping, or pain in the back, buttocks, thighs, or calves, or in the neck, shoulders, or arms
  • Weakness of a portion of a leg or arm

Spinal Stenosis Symptoms

Symptoms are more likely to be present or get worse when you stand or walk upright.  They will often lessen or disappear when you sit down or lean forward.  Most people with spinal stenosis cannot walk for a long period of time.

More serious symptoms include:

  • Difficulty or imbalance when walking
  • Problems controlling urine or bowel movements

The diagnosis begins at our nonsurgical pain relief center with a thorough medical history and physical examination, as well as diagnostic testing including, x-rays, MRI and / or CT Scans to identify the source of pain.

Spinal Stenosis ImageSpinal Stenosis of the Lumbar Spine
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Treatments for Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis responds well to treatment by our nonsurgical back doctor.  Pain can be relieved with medications, and a customized physical therapy program.  To provide long-lasting relief, epidural steroid injections (ESI) performed under fluoroscopy can be performed.

Learning to take care of your back and prevent recurrent episodes of back pain can help you to avoid surgery.

If the pain is persistent and does not respond to nonsurgical measures, surgery is considered to relieve the pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.  Surgery is performed on the neck or lower back, depending on the site of the nerve compression.

If You Live in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, or Hampton Roads, Let Us Help You to Relieve Your Pain without Surgery!  Together We Strive to Knockout Pain®

Make an appointment to meet with Dr. Bragg to discuss treatment options for spinal stenosis.