Spinal Stenosis Surgery Specialist NYC
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal, which causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This condition can often cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back, legs, arms, and feet. It can also limit physical activity and impair a person’s quality of life.
At New York Spine Care, we offer top-of-the-line treatment for spinal stenosis in NYC. Dr. Paul-Marie Brisson is a single practice surgeon with over 33 years of experience, and he truly believes that you are more than just another patient or surgery.
Our clinic is conveniently located right in town and is affiliated with some of the best hospitals in the area. Here at New York Spine Care, we pride ourselves on providing personalized care, tailored to meet your individual needs.
At New York Spine Care, we understand that spinal stenosis can be debilitating, and we are here to help you regain your quality of life. If you’re ready to receive care from the top-rated back doctor New York has to offer, Dr. Brisson is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Conservative Spinal Stenosis Treatments
Spinal Stenosis Diagnosis & Treatment Options
There are two main types of stenosis, both of which can cause significant “quality of life” issues:
Spinal Stenosis of the Lumbar Spine (Lower Back)
This type of stenosis is the most common and occurs in the lower section of the back. It is often caused by degenerative arthritis, and the symptoms may impact the lower back and legs.
Lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms might include:
- Lower back pain
- Numbness, weakness, heaviness or decreased sensation in one or both legs
- Sciatica (pain that radiates down the buttock and leg)
- Loss of mobility
- Difficulty sleeping or finding a comfortable sleeping position
- Incontinence if the nerves that control bowel and bladder functions are affected.
Stenosis of the Cervical Spine (Neck)
Cervical stenosis, (cervical myelopathy) is similar to lumbar stenosis, except that it occurs in the neck instead of the lower back. There are seven vertebrae located between the chest and head, and this area is known as the cervical spine. When stenosis narrows the spinal canal in the neck, it can impact the neck, arms, or legs.
Cervical spinal stenosis symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Stiffness
- Limited mobility and a reduced quality of life
Whether your pain is in your neck or back, Dr. Brisson always begins with the most conservative approach to treat spinal stenosis. Most of the time, no medical intervention is necessary. Nonsurgical treatments may include:
- Pain management
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
- Steroidal injections
If you have severe symptoms stemming from spinal stenosis and you are in good health otherwise, Dr. Brisson will likely recommend spinal stenosis surgery. The main type of surgery is decompressive laminectomy, which involves removing part of the vertebra and thickened ligaments to reduce pressure on the nerves.
Sometimes, a spinal fusion is also needed to stabilize the spine and relieve pain. This allows the patient to move around more easily and helps keep the bones in place, preventing them from further squeezing the spinal canal and restricting the nerves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common spinal stenosis causes?
Spinal stenosis can occur anywhere along the spinal canal and can be caused by:
- The wear and tear that comes with aging
- Osteoarthritis
- Bone spurs
- Certain medical conditions, including Paget’s disease, when bones can grow improperly
- Injuries
- Tumors
- Herniated (bulging) discs
- Slipped vertebrae (spondylolisthesis)
- A spinal canal that is naturally narrow (from birth)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Enlarged facet joints
- Previous surgery
How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?
To diagnose spinal stenosis, Dr. Brisson will talk to you about your symptoms and your medical history. He will conduct a physical exam including neurology, arms, and legs. He may order lab tests including spinal imaging such as X-rays, CT scans or other tests.
Is surgical lumbar spine treatment always necessary?
Though he is a skilled spinal stenosis surgeon, Dr. Brisson always explores non-invasive treatment options first, before determining that a laminectomy surgery is needed. With spinal stenosis, as with other back conditions, the goal is to find the most appropriate solution to help the patient achieve a high-quality and pain-free life.
How can I get started with the best spine specialist near me?
At New York Spinal Care, we make it easy to get started with the best spine specialist NYC has to offer. Just use our simple online scheduling tool to request your first appointment with Dr. Brisson.