Age-related spinal degeneration, trauma, osteoarthritis, and other factors can reduce the pockets of space between the vertebrae on your spine. This can lead to nerve compression and the symptoms of radiculopathy, i.e., damage to the nerve roots. Dr. Behnam Salari carefully reviews your symptoms, determines the extent of damage, and curates a personalized treatment plan for your spinal stenosis in Morristown. He prioritizes non-surgical solutions but doesn’t shy away from minimally invasive surgeries when absolutely necessary.

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the openings between the vertebrae or your spinal canal are narrowed or reduced. The spinal canal is the hollow passage through which the spinal cord and nerves run, and the intervertebral spaces allow the nerve roots to branch outwards from the spine. However, various degenerative changes can reduce these gaps, leading to nerve compression, i.e., components of your spine pinch the nerve roots.

When the spinal canal is reduced or narrowed, bone spurs from the intervertebral disc can grow into the spaces, thereby damaging the nerve roots. Arthritic changes can also reduce the gaps between the vertebrae, leading to nerve compression. And you may also experience nerve compression because of disc herniation, wherein the jelly-like fluid from the disc protrudes outwards and pinches the nerve roots. As such, numerous factors can lead to nerve compression and spinal stenosis in Morristown.

man happy after treatment for spinal stenosis morristown

Potential Causes of Spinal Stenosis:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteophytes (bone spurs)
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Disc herniation
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Tumors
  • Spinal trauma and injuries
  • Congenital conditions, such as dwarfism

Symptoms of Cervical Spinal Stenosis:

  • Mild to severe neck pain
  • Radiating pain and weakness in the shoulders, arms, and hands
  • Numbness in the shoulders and extremities
  • Loss of mobility in the arms and hands
  • Changes in balance and posture
woman with spinal stenosis morristown
man with spinal stenosis morristown

Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis:

  • Mild to severe lower back pain
  • Radiating pain and weakness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs
  • Numbness in the buttocks and lower extremities
  • Difficulty in walking or standing still for extended periods
  • Reduced pain while stooping down or sitting
  • Inability to walk for long distances
  • Intermittent leg pain (neurogenic claudication)
  • Foot pain and problems

Diagnosing & Treating Spinal Stenosis

Dr. Behnam Salari performs a thorough evaluation to identify the specific root cause of your spinal stenosis in Morristown, address the damaged components of the spine, and ensure long-lasting results. He discusses your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and conducts numerous imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRI scans, and x-rays. After diagnosing the problem, he curates a personalized treatment plan, which may involve a combination of physical therapy, medications, rest and recovery, and minimally invasive surgery.

man with spinal stenosis morristown

Spinal Stenosis FAQs

What role does genetics play in spinal stenosis?

Genetics can contribute to the risk of developing spinal stenosis. While aging and wear and tear on the spine are primary factors, a family history of the condition might increase susceptibility.

Is spinal stenosis preventable?

While spinal stenosis is often age-related, maintaining good posture, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can reduce the risk. However, complete prevention may not be possible.

Can epidural injections provide relief from spinal stenosis symptoms?

Epidural injections may offer temporary relief for a few weeks by reducing inflammation and numbing pain. However, they don’t address the root cause of spinal stenosis, so they are typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan for managing spinal stenosis symptoms.

What lifestyle changes can help manage spinal stenosis?

Staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and performing exercises that strengthen core muscles can alleviate spinal stenosis symptoms and improve overall spinal health. These are things that should be done in addition to any treatment to more rapidly recover from spinal stenosis in Morristown.

Can pregnancy worsen spinal stenosis symptoms?

Pregnancy can potentially worsen existing spinal stenosis symptoms. The increased weight and hormonal shifts during pregnancy can strain the spine and intensify discomfort. While not all pregnant individuals with spinal stenosis will experience worsened symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a specialist like Dr. Salari for an evaluation.

Testimonials

I would highly recommend Dr. Salari...I was very impressed with how he explained everything in detail, in a way that was very easy to understand. He informed me of my options to fix my back problems and I felt very comfortable with the decision we agreed upon. The results of my surgery were exactly how he explained they would be. I'm so happy to be moving and grooving again! Dr. Salari has a heart of gold and has a wonderful bedside manner. I am so pleased with my experience and when people ask who I went to; I am proud to say, "Dr. Salari, he's the best"!

Kim K.

Dr. Salari is a great doctor. He has performed two operations on my back and were both a success (removed all my pain). He is very personable and has great bedside manners. I would recommend him to anyone with back issues.

Keith D.
dr ben salari

Dr. Behnam Salari

Board Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Contact Dr. Salari for Spinal Stenosis Treatment

Dr. Behnam Salari is a board-certified spine surgeon specializing in the latest minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. He discusses your unique goals and symptoms, reviews your medical history, and performs various imaging tests to curate a comprehensive, personalized spinal stenosis treatment plan. If you need lumbar spinal surgery, he specializes in minimally invasive procedures that address the root cause of your problems without considerable downtime.

If you have the signs and symptoms of nerve compression and spinal stenosis, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Ben Salari at our state-of-the-art offices in Morristown, Hackettstown, Sparta, or Randolph in New Jersey.

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