Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis services offered in Appleton, Oshkosh, North Fond du Lac, Bellevue and Green Bay, WI
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots. This common condition, most often seen in the neck or lower back, can cause pain, tingling, or weakness—especially when standing or walking. Treatment may begin with conservative options like physical therapy, injections, or medications, but in advanced cases, surgical decompression can provide lasting relief and restore mobility.
Spinal Stenosis Q & A
What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness—most often in the neck, back, or legs. Symptoms are typically worse when standing or walking and may improve with rest. Over time, stenosis can progress and significantly limit daily activities if not addressed.
Which symptoms can spinal stenosis cause?
Spinal stenosis may cause:
Neck or back pain
Tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” sensations
Muscle weakness
Leg pain or cramping (often worse when walking)
Balance difficulties
In more severe cases, bowel or bladder changes
Some people may have no symptoms initially, but mild signs can gradually worsen as the condition progresses.
What may increase my risk of spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is often the result of age-related changes in the spine, but several factors can increase risk, including:
Arthritis and bone spurs
Herniated discs
Thickened ligaments around the spine
Tumors
Congenital (being born with a narrow spinal canal)
- Spinal injuries or trauma
Common causes of spinal injuries include car accidents, sports injuries, and other types of trauma.
How does my spine specialist diagnose spinal stenosis?
Diagnosis typically involves a detailed review of medical history, a physical exam, and imaging studies such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. These tests help determine the exact cause of spinal narrowing and guide treatment planning.
How is spinal stenosis treated?
Most patients begin with conservative care, which may include:
Physical therapy to strengthen and stabilize the spine
Medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation
Epidural or nerve block injections for targeted relief
Lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight management, and posture training
For advanced cases where symptoms remain severe, surgical decompression is often the most effective solution. Decompression procedures such as laminectomy or discectomy remove the structures causing nerve compression, offering significant symptom relief. Both traditional and minimally invasive techniques may be used depending on the location and severity of the problem. By restoring space within the spinal canal, decompression surgery improves function and helps prevent progression of nerve damage.
Our team tailors each treatment plan to your individual needs, with the goal of restoring function, minimizing downtime, and supporting long-term relief.