Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of your spinal column. Though not everyone with spinal stenosis is symptomatic, when symptoms occur, they tend to worsen over time. Robert Lowe III, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who provides comprehensive care for spinal stenosis. To schedule a consultation, call one of the offices in Nashville, Springhill, or Cookeville, Tennessee, or book an appointment using the online scheduling tool today.
Spinal stenosis means you have a narrowing of space in your spine, which may compress or irritate your spinal cord or spinal nerves. You may develop spinal stenosis in any part of the spine, but it most often occurs in the cervical spine (neck) or lumbar spine (lower back).
Anyone can develop spinal stenosis. However, the condition most often occurs as you get older due to degenerative changes in your spine that affect the normal structure.
You may be at greater risk of developing the spine condition if you have a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis of the spine, or scoliosis.
Not everyone with spinal stenosis has symptoms. However, when symptoms start, they tend to worsen over time.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis include:
The type and severity of symptoms may depend on the location of your spinal stenosis and the affected nerves.
When you visit Dr. Lowe for a spinal stenosis evaluation, he conducts a thorough exam to fully understand your condition so he can develop the best treatment plan.
He asks detailed questions about your symptoms, including when they started and how they’ve changed over time. Dr. Lowe reviews your medical history and performs a physical and neurological exam to assess the structure and function of your spine.
To determine the severity of your spinal stenosis and help him design the best treatment plan, Dr. Lowe may request diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.
Dr. Lowe customizes your spinal stenosis treatment plan based on the location of the narrowing, the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
Because he takes a conservative approach to care, Dr. Lowe may initially recommend medical interventions to alleviate your symptoms, such as:
If medical interventions fail to provide adequate relief from your symptoms, Dr. Lowe may talk to you about spine surgery for your spinal stenosis. Surgery may include spinal decompression, discectomy, disc replacement, or spinal fusion.
Dr. Lowe is a skilled spine surgeon and uses minimally invasive tools and techniques when possible, including robotic surgery.
Don’t let your spinal stenosis keep you from living your life. Call the nearest office of Robert Lowe III, MD, or schedule a consultation through the online booking tool.
Handouts:
