Spinal Stenosis—Diagnosis & Treatment

Spinal stenosis is a gradual narrowing of the spinal canal—the space where the spinal cord travels. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that travel through the spine. This narrowing can pinch the nerves of the lower back, which can cause a dull back pain spreading down the buttocks and into the legs. The pain in the legs commonly happens when standing or walking and is improves when sitting or bending. We like to use the shoping cart example - if you find yourself having to lean over your shopping cart to relieve back pain while walking in a store, there is a very good chance you have spinal stenosis.

Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck. The most common cause of spinal stenosis is day-to-day wear-and-tear, aging, and changes in the spine related to arthritis. Most people with spinal stenosis are over age 50. Younger people may be at a higher risk of spinal stenosis if they have scoliosis or other spinal problems. Spinal stenosis often causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they start slowly and gradually worsen over time. Symptoms depend on which part of the spine is affected.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Low Back Symptoms Include:
• Pain or cramping in one or both legs
• Back pain.

Neck Symptoms can Include:
• Numbness
• Tingling or weakness in arms, hands, legs and feet
• Difficulty with walking and balance
• Problems with walking and balance
• Neck Pain
• Changes in bowel or bladder function

People who have severe cases of spinal stenosis may need surgery. Surgery can create more space inside the spine. This can ease the symptoms caused by pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. But surgery can't cure arthritis, so arthritis pain in the spine may continue.

The Minuteman® Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

Precision Pain Care now offers the Minuteman® Procedure, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, which has had remarkable success in treating patients with symptomatic spinal stenosis. If you suffer from pain in your lower back, buttocks, legs or feet, this revolutionary new procedure could be the answer to your pain.




See a inforgaphic video presentation of the Minuteman Procedure

The Minuteman is a minimally invasive fusion device inserted between two spinous processes of the lumbar spine to increase space in the spinal canal and reduce symptoms of spinal stenosis.

The Procedure typically lasts anywhere between 30-60 minutes—significantly shorter than a typical spinal fusion surgery. This procedure is performed in an outpatient format with post operation recovery less than an hour. All cases are different, and there are no guarantees, but patients typically leave with little-to-no postoperative pain. Full recovery is expected in a few days to a week.

For more information about the Minuteman System procedure click here.

Is the Minuteman Procedure right for you?
• Does your back or leg pain worsen with prolonged standing or walking?
• Does your back or leg pain improve while you are sitting?
• Does leaning forward improve your pain?

If you answered yes to any of these, you may be a candidate for this innovative, minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Ask one of our pain care physicians about the best way to treat your back and/or leg pain. Your doctor will decide if minimally invasive spine surgery is the right choice for your condition.

 

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