Spinal stenosis generally occurs because of the age-related degeneration of the bony structures of the spine, leading to nerve compression. It can also happen because of injuries or severe disc herniation, resulting in weakness, numbness, and pain in different parts of the body. Dr. Behnam Salari, the leading orthopedic surgeon in New Jersey, diagnoses and treats the root cause of stenosis in Morristown using minimally invasive techniques.
What is Stenosis?
The spinal canal consists of a series of vertebrae (bones) separated by cushion-like intervertebral joints that absorb the shock of movements. There are small gaps between the vertebrae, where the nerve roots can exit and branch outwards from the spine, providing sensation and mobility to different parts of the body. The nerve roots must move in and out of the intervertebral spaces without obstruction.
Spinal stenosis is a condition wherein the intervertebral spaces are narrowed, thereby leading to obstructions for the nerve roots. The narrowing of the intervertebral spaces may occur for numerous reasons, such as the age-related degeneration of the intervertebral discs and joints, excessive disc herniation, spinal trauma, and more. Different components of the spine can pinch or compress the nerve roots, leading to different types of pain and discomfort.
Potential Causes of Stenosis:
- Osteoarthritis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Disc herniation
- Degenerative disc disease
- Tumors
- Spinal trauma and injuries
- Congenital conditions, such as dwarfism
Symptoms of Cervical 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
Symptoms of Lumbar 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 Stenosis
Spinal stenosis leads to different types of symptoms, depending on the location of the compressed nerves. Dr. Salari will carefully review your symptoms and perform diagnostic tests to visualize the damaged components. He may recommend x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans to visualize the bone tissues and soft tissues on your spine, thereby revealing the root cause of stenosis, allowing him to curate a personalized treatment plan.
Contact Dr. Salari for Stenosis Treatment
Dr. Behnam Salari is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with specialized training in minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. He uses the latest diagnostic tools to trace the root cause of stenosis and address it using non-invasive or minimally invasive solutions. He prioritizes non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy and medications and only resorts to minimally invasive surgeries when absolutely necessary.
If you have the signs or symptoms of cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine stenosis in Morristown, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Salari at our offices in Morristown, Hackettstown, Sparta, or Randolph in New Jersey.
