Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

(Back Pain)

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis is pain that occurs when a group of nerves is irritated and pinched by a reduction in the size of the nerve passages in the low back.  

This often presents with pain in the buttocks and legs although it can often present without leg pain in the earlier phases. Typically when lumbar spinal stenosis is the primary pain generator the symptoms are worse with standing and walking and improved with sitting.  Many patients say they benefit from leaning on a shopping cart if they are at the grocery store.   

As with other conditions treatment can consist of anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy or chiropractic care.  If these means fail to give adequate benefit then injections can be considered.   These injections usually consist of epidural steroid injections either by a transforaminal or interlaminar technique. 

 Of course, having spinal stenosis on your MRI doesn’t always mean that it is the primary or only source of your pain as occasionally you may have more than one pain generator or have symptoms from another source.  Listening to your story about your pain and other diagnostic procedures can help your physician sort this out.  

Ultimately, if injections are not successful then surgery can be a definitive treatment and we will typically consult with a spinal surgeon.  If surgery is felt to be too invasive or carries too much risk then we may be able to offer other options.  Some of these include the following, MILD procedure, Minuteman procedure, or Vertiflex procedure.

Pre Injections Instructions

If you are anxious about your procedure, sedation can be provided.
If you choose this option you must meet the following criteria:

01

Come to your appointment with a responsible adult driver.

02

Fast for at least 6-8 hours prior to our appointment time. Morning medications can be taken with a sip of water no later than 2 hours prior to you appointment time. Exceptions may include diabetic medications, in this case please call the office for specific instructions.

03

If you are taking blood thinners or supplements, we may ask that you discontinue them prior to your procedure. Never stop these medications without approval from the physician prescribing them.

If you are taking blood thinners your pain physician may ask they be discontinued prior to injection.  Never stop these medications without permission from the physician prescribing them. Please call our office if your blood thinner is not listed:

  • Acenocoumarol
  • Agggrenox
  • Aggrastat   
  • Arixtra
  • Aspirin
  • Brilinta
  • Edoxaparin
  • Effient
  • Eliquis
  • Heparin
  • Integrilin
  • Lovenox
  • Pentoxil
  • Plavix
  • Pletal 
  • Pradaxa
  • ReoPro
  • Ticlid
  • Warfarin/Coumadin
  • Xarelto

If you are taking any supplements such as Fish Oil, Garlic, Ginseng, Vitamin A&E, Ginger, Kava Kava, Clove, White Willow bark, or Gingko please stop these 7 days prior to your procedure.

Start the Path Towards Healing

Our physicians offer ​diagnostic testing, fluoroscopic guided procedures and steroid injections. Our goal is to restore function of damaged joints, nerves, and muscles to treat low back, neck, and other pain. Our mission is to have all patients living their lives with minimal pain and to meet each of our patients’ needs with the highest quality care. We offer innovative solutions utilizing the latest, minimally invasive technologies.