Spinal Stenosis in Arlington, VA

Name: Spinal Stenosis
Brand: Virginia Neurosurgeons
Rating: 4.7 (23 reviews)

Spinal stenosis is characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal where the spinal cord and nerves are located. Spinal stenosis is commonly caused by the build-up of arthritic tissue as part of natural aging and wear and tear, but in rare cases can be caused by a tumor or an infection. The spinal canal can compress nerves and the spinal cord as it tightens.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

The symptoms of spinal stenosis depend on what part of the spine is affected:

Lower Back Pain: The initial symptom may often radiate to other areas.
Leg Pain or Weakness: Nerve compression can cause discomfort or weakness in the legs.
Numbness or Tingling: A numbness or tingling sensation may occur in the legs or buttocks.
Difficulty Walking: Reduced mobility and pain may affect walking abilities.
Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control: In severe cases, spinal stenosis can lead to control issues.

Why Choose Virginia Neurosurgeons for Spinal Stenosis Care?

At Virginia Neurosurgeons, our board-certified neurosurgeons have extensive training in the diagnosis and surgical management of spinal conditions. What sets Virginia Neurosurgeons apart from other spinal surgeons is our comprehensive training as neurosurgeons. We approach each case by integrating the patient’s symptoms, imaging findings and diagnostics, and detailed neurologic assessment to diagnose the patient and formulate a personalized treatment plan. We pride ourselves on ethical and honest practices, serving as trusted advocates and partners for our patients’ medical care. Our commitment to open communication ensures that patients fully understand their conditions and treatment options, even if they are not surgical candidates. Our surgical interventions aim to provide clinically meaningful benefits, including pain reduction and preservation and restoration of neurological function, improving the quality of life for our patients.

How Is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?

At Virginia Neurosurgeons, our board-certified neurosurgeons adopt a comprehensive approach to understanding the specific factors contributing to your condition. By combining state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, Virginia Neurosurgeons ensures a precise understanding of your condition, enabling the development of personalized and effective treatment strategies for each patient. Our expert team follows a meticulous process to procure evidence of exactly what is occurring:

Medical History:

Our surgeons will review your symptoms and medical history to help you understand and identify sources of pain and neurologic symptoms.

Physical Examination:

Conducting a detailed physical examination allows our neurosurgeons to assess reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory function, aiding in pinpointing affected nerve pathways.

Imaging Studies:

Advanced imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans are employed to visualize the spine and identify spinal stenosis and associated nerve compression.

Electrodiagnostic Tests:

Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) help evaluate the electrical activity of muscles and nerves, aiding in the localization of which nerves are affected most by spinal stenosis.

Diagnostic Injections:

Targeted injections, such as epidural steroid injections, can help confirm the source of pain and further guide the treatment plan.

How Is Spinal Stenosis Treated?

Once our surgeons have made a diagnosis of spinal stenosis, they will review with you non-surgical and surgical treatment options to create a management plan specific to your case. Treatments for spinal stenosis include:

Non-Invasive Interventions:

Medications for pain management and inflammation.
Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility.
Activity modification to reduce strain on the spine.
Acupuncture or dry needling.
Chiropractic care.

Minimally Invasive Procedures:

Epidural steroid injections to alleviate pain in the nerves and spinal joints.
Radiofrequency ablation (specialized heat treatment) to disrupt nerve signals causing pain.

Surgical Interventions:

Laminectomy and foraminotomy: Removal of bone, joint, and ligament tissue that compresses nerves.
Discectomy: Removal of the disc material compressing the nerves and causing spinal stenosis.
Fusion surgery: Joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce movement of the vertebra that may be causing stenosis and nerve-related symptoms.
Minimally invasive decompression: Using specialized instruments to relieve nerve pressure with small incisions and minimal tissue disruption.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs:

Customized exercise regimens for ongoing strength and flexibility.
Lifestyle modifications for long-term spine health.
Patient education to promote self-management and prevent future issues.

Many patients will benefit from non-surgical therapies. Patients who do not respond to conservative therapy may be surgical candidates. Not all patients with spinal stenosis may benefit from surgery, however. At Virginia Neurosurgeons, we will provide you with our honest recommendation on the most effective treatment for your condition, even if it is not surgical.

Schedule Your Consultation with Virginia Neurosurgeons Today

Experience relief from the symptoms of spinal stenosis—schedule a consultation with Virginia Neurosurgeons today. Our expert team offers personalized care and effective interventions tailored to your needs. Take the first step toward improved spinal health and enhanced well-being.