Spinal Stenosis

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when parts of the spine become compressed, reducing the space available for nerves or the spinal cord. This narrowing may happen in the lumbar (lower back) region, causing leg and back symptoms, or in the cervical (neck) region, potentially affecting the arms and hands. In severe cases, it may even lead to spinal cord compression (myelopathy). Over time, this condition often develops gradually and may worsen under prolonged standing, walking, or bending.

Spinal Stenosis Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on which area of the spine is affected, but common signs include:

• Chronic lower back pain (or neck pain in cervical cases).
• Leg cramps, aching, or a heavy sensation, often resembling sciatica.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, feet, arms, or hands.
• Difficulty walking or standing for extended periods.
• Limited ability to perform routine tasks or physical activities.

Symptoms often worsen during walking or standing and tend to improve when sitting or bending forward.

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Types of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is classified by its location and cause.

Some of the main types include:

• Lumbar stenosis: narrowing of the canal in the lower back, most common and often responsible for neurogenic claudication symptoms.
• Cervical stenosis: narrowing in the neck, which may affect the spinal cord, causing more serious neurological signs.
• Thoracic stenosis: less common, affecting the mid-back region.
• Congenital stenosis: present from birth due to a naturally narrow canal.
• Acquired (degenerative) stenosis: develops over time due to aging changes such as arthritis, disc degeneration, and ligament thickening.

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Several factors contribute to the development of spinal stenosis, especially with age or wear:

• Degenerative changes: wear-and-tear of intervertebral discs and facet joints.
• Osteoarthritis: formation of bone spurs that encroach on the canal.
• Thickened ligaments: when the ligamentum flavum bulges inward and reduces the space.
• Herniated or bulging discs: disc material pressing into the spinal canal.
• Spondylolisthesis: vertebrae slipping forward out of alignment.
• Spinal injuries or trauma: structural damage that narrows the canal.
• Congenital narrowness: naturally smaller spinal canal present from birth.

These changes gradually reduce the space around nerves, eventually producing symptoms when nerve function is affected.

Related article: Leg Pain: Spinal Stenosis Or Something Else?

Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

At The Spine & Rehab Group, our goal is to relieve pain, restore function, and delay or avoid surgery when possible.

We offer a comprehensive portfolio of non-surgical treatments in NYC and New Jersey:

• Physical Therapy: Custom programs designed by spine specialists and therapists aim to strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and ease nerve stress.
• Steroid Injections: Non-surgical, in-office epidural steroid injections or facet blocks may reduce inflammation around compressed nerves and provide symptom relief.
• Acupuncture: Administered by certified practitioners, acupuncture can support pain reduction and complement conventional therapies.

In more advanced cases where non-surgical care doesn’t help, our specialists may recommend minimally invasive interventions or surgical options aimed at decompressing nerves and restoring spinal space.

Related article: How To Prevent Spinal Stenosis From Getting Worse

Why Is Spinal Stenosis More Common in Older Adults?

Spinal stenosis becomes increasingly common with age because normal wear-and-tear gradually affects spinal structures:

• Discs lose height and hydration, leading to vertebral movement.
• Facet joints undergo degenerative change and develop bone overgrowth.
• Ligaments thicken and lose elasticity.
• Cumulative stress and microtrauma over decades gradually narrow the canal.

These age-related changes mean that older individuals often carry an increased risk. Early detection and careful management become more critical to maintaining function and reducing symptom progression.

Read more: Why Does Spinal Stenosis Make You Tired?

The Spine & Rehab Group’s Specialists

Spinal stenosis can significantly impede your comfort, mobility, and quality of life. With a team of experienced spinal specialists, The Spine & Rehab Group offers comprehensive diagnosis and evidence-based treatment strategies tailored to your specific condition and needs. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—take the first step toward relief and better spinal health by scheduling your consultation today.

Dr. Hosny is a distinguished physician, educator, and healthcare leader with a commitment to advancing health equity and accessibility in the rapidly evolving landscape of modern healthcare. After completing his residency at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, affiliated with Columbia University in New York City, he pursued an Interventional Spine Fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, part of Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA.

Dr. Hosny has held prominent roles in academic medicine, including serving as an Associate Clinical Professor at New York Medical College and as the Interventional Spine Fellowship Program Director. These positions reflect his dedication to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals and advancing the field of interventional spine care.

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The Spine & Rehab Group
140 NJ-17,
Paramus, NJ 07652
(212) 242-8160