Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to a compressed spinal cord or spinal nerves. This compression disrupts messages between the brain and the rest of the body. M. Nicholas Perenich, DO, and his expert team at the Spine Institute of Florida take a comprehensive approach to treating spinal stenosis, offering conservative and surgical interventions. The practice, formerly Tampa Back Institute, maintains offices in Tampa, Crystal River, Dade City, and Spring Hill, Florida. Call the office nearest you today or book an appointment online.

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing in the spinal canal, the space that contains your spinal cord. Without enough room, your spine can irritate or compress the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves.

The narrowing caused by spinal stenosis can happen in any part of the spine but most often develops in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spine. Anyone can suffer from spinal stenosis, and the risk increases with age due to degenerative changes to the spine.

You can also develop spinal stenosis following an acute injury like an auto accident, slip-and-fall, or sports trauma.

I have asymptomatic spinal stenosis. Do I need orthopedic care?

You can have spinal stenosis and not exhibit any symptoms. But the spine condition is progressive, and the symptoms can occur anytime. When symptoms of spinal stenosis start, they can get worse quickly.

An early evaluation from the Spine Institute of Florida team can help you manage your symptoms and delay the need for surgery.

The team takes a comprehensive approach to care, asking detailed questions about your concerns, routine, and symptoms (if you have any). They review your medical history, complete a physical exam, and order diagnostic imaging to determine where and how severe your spinal stenosis is.

Which conservative treatments are available for spinal stenosis?

The Spine Institute of Florida is a full-service orthopedic spine surgery practice offering an array of conservative treatments to patients in the early stages of spinal stenosis. Conservative care includes:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy
• Therapeutic cervical traction
• Chiropractic care

The Spine Institute of Florida team also offers interventional pain treatments, including epidural injections and radiofrequency ablation (heating and destroying the spinal nerve causing the pain).

When would I need surgery for spinal stenosis?

You might need surgery for your spinal stenosis if you have severe symptoms like loss of bowel or bladder control or conservative treatments fail to relieve your discomfort. Spine Institute of Florida offers cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatments for spinal stenosis.

Spinal stenosis surgery aims to open the space in the spine to relieve symptoms. The team uses advanced techniques when performing spine surgery so that you get the best outcome.

Call the Spine Institute of Florida today or book an appointment online to learn more about spinal stenosis treatment.