Diagnosis & Treatment of Spinal Stenosis at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine in Ramsey, NJ

With decades of combined clinical experience behind them, Ramsey pain doctorsDr. Kevin McElroy and Dr. Steven Ferrer have worked with hundreds of men and women struggling with dysfunction related to spinal stenosis. If you have recently been diagnosed with this condition or are simply wondering what’s causing your pain, then we invite you to visit Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine for answers–and help.

What is Spinal Stenosis & How is it Diagnosed?

Spinal stenosis is a progressive condition that causes a narrowing of the spinal canal and/or spaces between the vertebral bones through which the spinal cord and spinal nerves travel. As this space narrows, nervous tissue can become pinched, leading to a variety of symptoms discussed subsequently.

Spinal stenosis can be diagnosed based on a comprehensive physical examination, patient history, and diagnostic imaging. It’s typically caused by degenerative changes in the spine such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease, but in rarer cases may be caused by factors such as trauma, tumors, and certain bone or connective tissue diseases.

What are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?

Everyone who comes to see us for help with spinal stenosis tends to present with slight variations in their symptom presentation. The exact signs and symptoms will depend on what’s causing the stenosis, which nerves (if any) are being impinged upon, and how severe the degree of stenosis is.

That said, common symptoms include:

• Back stiffness
• Back pain
• Pain, weakness, and/or numbness in an arm or leg

With stenosis, a person’s back pain and other symptoms may improve if a person bends forwards or walks around a little bit.

In extremely rare cases of severe stenosis, the distal part of a person’s spinal cord may become so compressed that a person experiences symptoms such as incontinence, saddle anesthesia (numbness in the groin and perianal area), and/or sexual dysfunction. This is called cauda equina syndrome and is considered a medical emergency. If you notice any of these symptoms, then call 911 right away.

If I Have Spinal Stenosis, What Kind of Treatment Options are Available to Me?

At our pain management clinic in Ramsey, NJ you’re more than just your diagnosis. Whether you come to us for help from spinal stenosis or any of the many other conditions we treat, we’re confident that we can devise a custom-tailored treatment plan to meet your unique needs and address your individual challenges.

When it comes to spinal stenosis, typical treatments may include:

• Physical therapy
• Pain management modalities, including electrical stimulation
• Interventional pain injections
• Acupuncture
• Non-surgical orthopedics

The goals of treatment is to reduce pressure on compressed nerves, maximize spinal mobility and spinal joint space, reduce symptoms, and maximize function. We’ll adjust our treatment as necessary to meet your changing needs and help you get back to your normal active lifestyle. In the rare cases where surgery may be indicated, our team can help connect you with the right providers to meet your needs.

Have You Been Diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis or Need a Second Opinion? Call Our Ramsey Pain Doctors To Reclaim Your Spinal Health Today

Dr. Ferrer and Dr. McElroy, along with the rest of their multidisciplinary team, are committed to helping every one of their patients maximize their quality of life through effective symptom management and prevention of recurring problems. To schedule an initial consultation or to learn more about our pain management services, then call Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine today at 201 962 9199.