Diagnosing the Cause of Spinal Stenosis Signs & Symptoms in Southern California

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, a normally open space inside each vertebrae along your spine. Located inside the spinal canal, the spinal cord connects the brain and the 33 pairs of nerves branching off it to the rest of your body. During spinal stenosis, pain, numbness, and other symptoms are caused by pressure on the nerves due the narrowing spinal canal. Degenerative arthritis, which is caused by normal wear and tear on the joints as you age, leads to most cases of spinal stenosis.

Trusted neurologists at Dignity Health Southern California can address your spinal stenosis symptoms in Southern California and create a treatment plan that’s based on your unique needs. Use our online Find a Doctor tool to make an appointment at your nearest location.

Signs & Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Because spinal stenosis occurs gradually over time, you may not notice symptoms in its early stages. As it becomes more advanced, you may experience signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis, such as:

  • Pain in the neck or back
  • Difficulty walking fully upright
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
  • Muscle weakness in the arms or legs
  • Pain in the arms or legs

The signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis will vary depending on the location of the nerve impingement along your spine.

Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis at Dignity Health Southern California

Our expert neurologists offer leading-edge diagnostic testing for spinal stenosis and other spine conditions. Diagnosing spinal stenosis may include:

Because other spinal conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of spinal stenosis, your Dignity Health Southern California doctor will want to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Once you receive a diagnosis, you can begin the appropriate treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms.

You can trust your comprehensive neurological care to our team of experienced doctors, nurses and staff.

Dignity Health provides state-of-the-art diagnostic exams and tests for spinal stenosis signs and symptoms in Southern California.