Effective Spinal Stenosis Treatment

Pain that stems from spinal stenosis makes everyday tasks feel nearly impossible. But we will tell you the effective ways to treat spinal stenosis right now! Do not let the discomfort, and the constant struggle to move without pain can take a toll on your quality of life any longer.

At Pain and Spine Specialists of Idaho, we’ve learned the most effective methods of treatment. We help hundreds of patients each year and understand what you’re going through. Our board-certified pain doctors provide advanced, effective spinal stenosis treatments tailored to your unique needs.

Let’s define what spinal stenosis is—and more importantly, how we can help.

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. This narrowing can result from age-related changes, degenerative conditions, or even congenital causes.

The condition most commonly affects the lumbar spine (lower back) and the cervical spine (neck). Known as lumbar spinal stenosis and cervical spinal stenosis, these forms can produce symptoms like:

• Leg or lower back pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness in arms or legs
• Difficulty walking
• Neck pain and stiffness

These symptoms often worsen over time, especially if left untreated.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis involves the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, leading to compression of the spinal cord and nerves. The primary degenerative changes contributing to lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms include:

• Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Intervertebral discs lose hydration and height, reducing disc space and potentially leading to disc herniation
• Facet Joint Hypertrophy: Arthritic changes in the facet joints can cause them to enlarge, forming bone spurs
• Ligamentum Flavum Thickening: The ligamentum flavum, which connects vertebrae, may thicken and fold into the spinal canal

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Cervical stenosis involves the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck (cervical spine), leading to compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. The root causes for cervical stenosis are various degenerative changes, including:

• Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of the facet joints can lead to bone spurs
• Disc Degeneration: Intervertebral discs may lose hydration and elasticity with aging, leading to disc bulging or herniation
• Ligament Thickening: The ligamentum flavum may thicken over time, contributing to canal narrowing
• Spondylolisthesis: Slippage of one vertebra over another that reduces space for neural structures

The symptoms for different types of stenosis are similar because they are all caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal and pinched nerves along the spinal cord.

Imaging Tests

Before we treat spinal stenosis, we take the time to diagnose it correctly. The treatment for spinal stenosis must be exact and precise. Treatment for cervical spinal stenosis will differ from that of lumbar spinal stenosis and so forth.

At Pain and Spine Specialists of Idaho, we review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and use imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT scans) to find the exact location of the problem.

We look for signs of:

• Bone spurs
• Thickened ligaments
• Degenerative changes
• Compression on the spinal cord and nerve roots

Understanding your condition fully allows us to create the right treatment plan for you.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options That Work

Many patients with spinal stenosis benefit from conservative treatment options. These treatments focus on reducing symptoms without the need for surgery. Nonsurgical treatment for spinal stenosis can be effective and relieve pain enough to restore function and quality of life to the patient. Here are 2 of the most effective nonsurgical treatments.

Physical Therapy

One of the first-line treatments is physical therapy. These programs help strengthen core muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility. The idea is that stronger and more optimally functioning muscles will help relieve pain and weakness.

Therapy exercises work to relieve pressure on your spinal cord and nerves while improving your mobility and stability.

Pain Management Injections

When physical therapy isn’t enough, targeted injections can offer fast, lasting relief. These will provide a stronger effect than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This is also a specialty at Idaho Pain and Spine Specialists. We offer:

• Facet joint injections to reduce inflammation in spinal joints
• Epidural steroid injections
• Cervical nerve root blocks to calm irritated nerves in the neck

These treatments bathe the inflamed nerves and reduce swelling and pressure. Then the patient can follow it up with physical therapy to keep the inflammation away.

Advanced, Minimally Invasive Procedures

When non-surgical options aren’t enough, you may need a more direct approach. That doesn’t always mean traditional surgery. You have options that are less invasive than traditional spinal fusion.

The Superion® Indirect Decompression System

For lumbar stenosis, we offer a revolutionary solution: the Superion Indirect Decompression System.

This minimally invasive procedure involves implanting a small device between two vertebrae. The device opens the space in your spinal canal, reducing compression on the nerves. It allows you to walk and stand with less pain—often on the same day as the procedure.

Why Choose Pain And Spine Specialists?

We take a patient-first approach to care. Our mission is to alleviate pain, using proven medical treatments backed by science and tailored to your needs.

You’re not just another chart here. You’re a person. And our team will walk with you every step of the way.

We will help:

• Diagnose spinal stenosis accurately
• Understand your treatment options clearly
• Choose between nonsurgical treatments and surgical treatments with confidence
• Build a long-term plan with rehabilitation medicine and ongoing support

Many patients tell us they wish they’d come in sooner. Because we don’t just treat symptoms—we help restore quality of life. Don’t let your pain become chronic!

Get Relief From Spinal Stenosis Today

If you’re living with spinal stenosis symptoms, from back and leg pain to nerve compression and neck pain, there is hope.

With the right doctors, you can reclaim your independence and treat spinal stenosis.

At Pain and Spine Specialists of Idaho, we offer advanced, personalized care to help you feel like yourself again. Whether you need conservative treatment, minimally invasive surgery, or rehabilitative care, we have a solution for you.

Contact us today and schedule your consultation. Let’s build your personalized treatment plan and get you on the road to recovery.

Let’s help you move forward—stronger, healthier, and pain-free.