What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is recognized as a narrowing of the space within the spine, which can apply pressure on the nerves that traverse within the spine. Occurring more often within the neck and lower back, some people may not even show symptoms of having spinal stenosis. However, others may experience tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and pain which can intensify with age. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and believe it may be linked to spinal stenosis, be sure to contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. Craig C. Callewart, MD, who is Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, can help you on the right path toward a greater peace of mind.
What causes spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis has numerous causes, some of the most common being:
- Bone spurs, which can occur as a result of wear and tear damage from osteoarthritis.
- Herniated discs, which are cushions that serve as shock-absorbers in between vertabrae. Trauma on a disc’s exterior can lead to inner substances to escape and put pressure on nerves or the spinal cord itself.
- Thickened ligaments, which are durable cords that maintain bone configuration within the spine. These cords can become stiff and thicken with age, bulging into the spinal canal.
- Tumors, which are irregular growths that can form within the spinal cord.
- Spinal injuries that occur during a sports injury, car accident or other such happenstance that may cause a fracture or damage to the spinal canal.
Which procedure is right for me?
During your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Callewart, he’ll review your symptoms and perform a physical examination on the problematic area. Depending on the case, further examination such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI may be necessary. From there, we can determine the right treatment or procedural approach for you.
Schedule your initial consultation
Our practice is led by Craig C. Callewart, MD, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who believes that the most important aspect of providing the highest quality care is forming quality relationships with his patients. Dr. Callewart strives to keep each patient well-informed every step of the way, involving you in your spinal stenosis treatment plan and personally discussing the details of your procedure with you. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and take the next step towards a happier, healthier quality of life.
The spinal column contains open spaces that create passageways for the spinal cord and the spinal nerves. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of (or an intrusion into) these openings. This can cause a compression of the nerves. Spinal stenosis most commonly affects the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine.
