Call 216-778-3700 to make an appointment with any of our Spine Center specialists. Don't know which type of specialist to see? Call and we'll place you based on your medical needs.

Do you have unexplained back pain? It could be caused by lumbar spinal stenosis, a common condition that often occurs without any other symptoms. The good news is that MetroHealth offers many treatment options.

• What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
• What are the symptoms?
• How is it treated?

What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal becomes narrowed. If the narrowing is substantial, it causes compression of the nerves, which causes the painful symptoms of spinal stenosis.

Spinal stenosis is very common. In fact, it's the most common indication for surgery in persons aged 60 or greater in the United States.The population is aging making this an even more significant problem. It is estimated that as many as 400,000 Americans over the age of 60 may be suffering from symptoms related to spinal stenosis.

What are the symptoms?
Classic symptoms of spinal stenosis include: pain, numbness/tingling in the legs with walking and standing; and majority of people have associated back pain, however this does not have to be present. Symptoms of spinal stenosis may often be relieved with sitting/lying/bending forward or pushing a shopping cart. However, not everyone is symptomatic of this condition.

How is it treated?
When symptoms are mild to moderate, meaning, not significantly life limiting, a personalized treatment may include life style modification in addition to physical therapy and medications. When symptoms become moderate to severe, epidural steroids are often used followed by surgery if not effective.

Surgery is the most effective treatment, but carries the most risk so it is never the first option. The surgery that is often recommended is called laminectomy.

At MetroHealth, we offer both conventional and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) options. MIS allow the patient a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss and less pain with similar outcomes. This type of surgery may be performed as an outpatient at times and patients are often able to return to normal activities and back to work within 2-4 weeks.

It’s important for patients with spinal stenosis to seek treatment at a facility that specializes in the treatment of back pain and offers a multi-disciplinary approach to care, such as MetroHealth. Our Spine Center combines unparalleled expertise in complex and minimally-invasive surgery with nationally renowned rehabilitation care.

MetroHealth’s Spine Center works with a team of specialists – from pain management to rehabilitation and neurosurgery – to ensure patients receive a personalized treatment plan that is the best for the patient. We also work closely with a patient’s primary care provider.

Call 216-778-3700 to make an appointment with any of our Spine Center specialists.