Spinal stenosis is usually caused by age-related changes to your spine, such as arthritis or a herniated disc. Some patients may be at higher risk than others for developing these conditions, and careful attention should be paid if you begin to notice symptoms of either.
Spinal stenosis can also be caused by trauma, tumors, or congenital abnormalities as a secondary effect. Because of this, we recommend patients to have a spine examination if they have sustained any injuries or have any other health-related impact to their back and spine.
Common symptoms of spinal stenosis that patients may experience can include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. However, the initial symptoms of several spinal conditions can appear similar, so an exam is needed to be ruled out. In spinal stenosis, the symptoms are caused by the pinched nerves from the narrowing of the spine. You may also experience reduced flexibility and balance problems due to the pressure on your nerves.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend patients seek professional examination and potential treatment options as soon as possible. Our spinal specialists in Bakersfield and Newport Beach are experienced in diagnosing and treating a variety of spinal conditions that may be causing your symptoms, including spinal stenosis.