Aging takes a gradual but progressive toll on your spine, resulting in spinal stenosis that typically causes symptoms in people 50 and older. At Connecticut Advanced Spine in Bristol, Connecticut, Ashish Upadhyay, MD, MS, has extensive experience diagnosing spinal stenosis and providing holistic care ranging from conservation medication and exercise to surgical solutions treating the underlying cause. Call the office today or request an appointment online if you have back, neck, leg, or arm pain.
Spinal stenosis develops when the space inside the spinal canal narrows. The spinal canal creates a protective passageway for your spinal nerves. But the nerves become pinched when the spine conditions protrude into (and narrow) the opening.
While an injury could lead to spinal stenosis, the following age-related degenerative conditions usually cause the problem:
These conditions may cause local pain in the spine, and they may cause additional symptoms if they pinch the nerves.
You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Spinal stenosis is a top cause of sciatica, a sudden severe pain beginning in your lower back and shooting down through one leg.
At Connecticut Advanced Spine, Dr. Upadhyay begins by reviewing your medical history. Then, he completes a thorough physical and neurological examination, followed by additional diagnostic testing if needed.
You may need imaging studies, or Dr. Upadhyay may perform a myelogram, which reveals problems in the spinal canal.
Dr. Upadhyay creates a customized treatment plan based on your symptoms and overall health, which may include one or more of the following:
Many people find that a few months of conservative treatments improve their symptoms and allow them to return to their usual activities. But if your pain persists, you may need surgery to deal with the underlying condition.
Dr. Upadhyay has extensive experience and training in many surgical techniques for treating spinal stenosis, including:
Call Connecticut Advanced Spine today or request an appointment online to get relief from the pain of spinal stenosis.