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Stenosis

Capital Brain and Spine Desh Sahni, M.D. Our Services Stenosis

Capital Brain and Spine

Desh Sahni, M.D.

Neurosurgeon & Orthopedic Spine Surgeon located in Austin, TX & San Antonio, TX

Narrowing of your spinal column, referred to as spinal stenosis, can compress the nerve and cause symptoms such as tingling and muscle weakness in your arms or legs. If you’re experiencing strange sensations in your extremities, Desh Sahni, MD, at Capital Brain & Spine in Austin, Texas, can evaluate your spine and determine if the stenosis is causing your symptoms. Call the office today or schedule your consultation using the online booking button.

Stenosis Q & A

What is stenosis?

In medicine, stenosis refers to a narrowing between channels in your body. Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of your spinal bones, which restricts function and may cause pain. Spinal stenosis most often occurs in the neck and lower back, and it’s referred to as cervical stenosis or lumbar stenosis, respectively.


What are common symptoms of spinal stenosis?

You may not experience any symptoms with spinal stenosis, and the condition might only be discovered accidentally after an X-ray or MRI. But if symptoms develop, they tend to worsen with time.

Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include:


  • Neck pain or back pain
  • Numbness or tingling in your extremities
  • Weakness in your hands, arms, feet, or legs
  • Loss of bowel control
  • Difficulty with balance


You may also experience cramping in one or both of your legs with lumbar stenosis after standing for a long time.

You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Sahni if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms for an evaluation and treatment plan.


What causes spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis can occur from a number of causes. The most common include:


  • Herniated disc
  • Bone spurs
  • Tumor
  • Spinal injury


The condition may also develop if you were born with a narrow spinal cord.


How is spinal stenosis treated?

Dr. Sahni individualizes his treatment for spinal stenosis based on the location of the narrowing and the severity of your symptoms. While he is a skilled surgeon, he may suggest nonsurgical treatments to help you get relief from your symptoms.

Your treatment plan may include:


  • Over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Physical therapy
  • Steroid injections


If your symptoms are disabling or conservative measures aren’t providing relief, Dr. Sahni may suggest surgery to increase the space in your spinal column. Common surgical procedures recommended for spinal stenosis include:


  • Laminotomy
  • Laminectomy
  • Laminoplasty


Dr. Sahni specializes in minimally invasive spinal procedures and may be able to relieve your narrowing by removing a portion of your vertebrae without causing any damage to the surrounding tissue. This type of procedure may also result in less pain and shorter recovery time.

For compassionate care from a skilled physician and surgeon, call Capital Brain & Spine today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.