Comprehensive Care for Spinal Stenosis in Central California
Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the canal in your spinal column (backbone) that develops over many years. It causes nerve compression and damage, and can lead to significant pain and disability. An accurate diagnosis is important because the symptoms of spinal stenosis can mimic those of other spine problems and neurological conditions.
At Dignity Health Central California, an experienced neurologist will evaluate your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment. If you need care for spinal stenosis in Central California, use our Find a Doctor tool to make an appointment today. Our neurological services include a full suite of medical and surgical care at these Bakersfield hospitals:
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
Degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the spine are the primary cause of stenosis. With age and overuse, cushioning spinal discs that lie between each vertebrae in your backbone start to break down. This makes the vertebrae rub together, which contributes to arthritis. Cumulative changes in your backbone eventually narrow the openings that spinal nerves pass through, putting pressure on the nerves and causing the primary symptoms of spinal stenosis.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spine can occur anywhere along the spine, from the cervical spine in the neck to the lumbar spine in the lower back. Narrowing in the neck area is cervical spinal stenosis and narrowing in the lower back is lumbar spinal stenosis.
As stenosis of the spine progresses and nerve compression worsens, you may experience pain, tingling and numbness, and weakness. With cervical stenosis, you experience symptoms in your neck and arms. Stenosis in your lower back affects the legs.
Treating Spinal Stenosis at Dignity Health Central California
Your doctor uses the most up-to-date testing technology to diagnose spinal stenosis and rule out other possible causes. Our team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and supporting staff consider your overall health, severity of your condition, and personal preferences to recommend the most appropriate treatment for you. Treatment options for spinal stenosis include medications for symptom relief, physical therapy, and neurosurgery.
Talk to your doctor to learn more about our personalized care for spinal stenosis in Central California.
Dignity Health Central California provides diagnostic testing and skilled surgical treatment for spinal stenosis in Bakersfield, and Stockton, CA.
