Clearwater, FL - (727) 462-5582
Beverly Hills, CA - (310) 975-7033

Spinal Stenosis

Clearwater, Tampa, St Peterburg, Florida

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, causing pressure on the nerve roots, and resulting in pain. This usually occurs in the lumbar spine (low back), occasionally in the cervical region (the neck), and less often in the thoracic spine (in the upper back).  MRIs, CT scans, and EMG studies are diagnostic studies used to determine this condition.

Spinal stenosis is most often caused by degeneration of the disk between the vertebrae due to osteoarthritis.  Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with inflammation and enlargement of the soft tissues of the joints. The areas of the back with the greatest mobility (for example, the neck area) are often the ones most affected in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

In the lumbar region, pressure on the spinal cord or on nerve roots branching out from the pelvis may result in sciatica. Pressure in the cervical region of the spine may produce similar symptoms in the shoulders and arms.

Several diseases can cause spinal stenosis:

  1. Paget’s disease, a disease of that causes abnormal growth and distortion in a number of different bones.
  2. Fluoridosis, when an excess amount of fluoride thickens bone and contributes to stenosis when there is a pre-existent narrowing of the canal.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis are similar to those of cervical disk disease or sciatica.

Symptoms of spinal stenosis in the upper back include:

  • Neck and arm pain, which may radiate down into the hand
  • Numbness and tingling over the arm and hand
  • Weakness of the hand and arm muscles may also develop

Symptoms of spinal stenosis in the low back include:

  • Pain that begins in the low back or buttocks and moves down the leg, and may progress into the foot
  • Weakness, tingling or numbness in the leg
  • Sitting or standing for a long time, and movements that cause the spine to flex (such as knee-to-chest exercises) may make symptoms worse
  • Walking, lying down and movements that extend the spine (such as shoulder lifts) may relieve symptoms

Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis can often be treated without surgery or invasive procedures. Proper exercise, anti-inflammatory medications, epidural injections and chiropractic care are all possible methods for relieving pain due to spinal stenosis. In limited cases, spinal surgery may be an option.

If you continue to suffer with spinal stenosis and your current treatment plan leaves you feeling hopeless, perhaps a fresh set of experienced eyes can change your outlook. Since 1990, Dennis M. Lox, M.D has applied his personal interests in sports medicine, cutting-edge regenerative medicine and chronic pain management to helping patients increase their quality of life. Contact us for an appointment at 727-462-5582.

Dennis M. Lox, MD, and the Florida Spine Center serve patients within the greater Tampa Bay area, including Clearwater, Tampa and St. Petersburg, as well as all of Florida and the US.

All statements, information or opinions provided by this website are provided for educational purposes only. We do not diagnose nor treat through this website or by telephone. As you consider any treatment, discuss them with your physician.

Are You Looking to Avoid Surgery?

If you haven't found joint relief should schedule a personal consultation with Dennis M. Lox, M.D., to learn if you are able to get joint relief without the need for invasive surgery.

Stem Cell Therapy in Clearwater, FL and Beverly Hills, CA

Dr. Lox treats the Tampa Bay Metro Area including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa , Pinellas Park, Palm Harbor, Orlando and Sarasota as well as the Los Angeles Metro Area including Santa Monica and Beverly Hills.

Call our office in Clearwater, FL or Beverly Hills, CA to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Lox.

Clearwater, Florida Office

2030 Drew St.
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 462-5582

Beverly Hills, California Office

450 N Roxbury Dr. #602
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 975-7033

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*DISCLAIMER: Like all medical procedures, those performed by Dennis Lox, M.D. have a success and failure rate. Patient reviews and testimonials on this site should not be interpreted as a statement on the effectiveness of our treatments for anyone else.