Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis symptoms worsen over time. Marcie Merson, MD, of Palm Beach Pain Institute in Delray Beach, Florida, provides pain management for spinal stenosis. Board-certified in pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Merson uses innovative treatments to relieve spinal stenosis symptoms like prolotherapy, physical therapy, and epidural injections. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about pain management treatments for spinal stenosis at Palm Beach Pain Institute.

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, the space that contains your spinal cord. The narrowing may occur in any part of the spine, but it most often affects the cervical and lumbar spine. 

The narrowing of the spinal canal may put pressure on the spinal cord or the spinal nerves, causing pain that radiates into the arms or legs. 

Not everyone with spinal stenosis has symptoms. But when symptoms start, they gradually worsen over time. 

What causes spinal stenosis?

Degenerative changes to the spine are the most common cause of spinal stenosis, including degeneration of the intervertebral discs and thickening of the ligaments.

The intervertebral discs are pillow-like cushions that separate the bones in the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers and support movement. Strong ligaments connect the vertebral bones and keep them in place.

The discs in the spine lose moisture and shrink as you get older, affecting the space between the bones. Additionally, the ligaments thicken and stiffen, pushing the vertebral bones into the spinal canal. 

These structural changes lead to spinal stenosis.

When should I consult with a pain management expert for spinal stenosis?

You should schedule a consultation with Dr. Merson at Palm Beach Pain Institute if you have spinal stenosis symptoms. 

Many people who are diagnosed with spinal stenosis are misclassified. Their imaging studies show herniated discs and narrowing, but that may not necessarily mean spinal stenosis. 

When you have back pain, you have spinal instability. Spinal instability occurs from weak and loose ligaments and tendons that allow excessive movement of the vertebrae. 

Dr. Merson can determine the true cause of your back or neck pain and provide an effective treatment plan to relieve symptoms and improve spine health.

What are some treatments for spinal stenosis?

At Palm Beach Pain Institute, Dr. Merson customizes spinal stenosis treatment based on her findings from the exam. 

For many patients, treatment includes prolotherapy, an injection that helps rebuild and restructure the damaged ligaments and tendons. Prolotherapy helps stabilize the spine, preventing, delaying, or reducing spinal stenosis symptoms.

Other spinal stenosis treatments at Palm Beach Pain Institute include:

• Osteopathic manual therapy (OMT)
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Epidural injections
• Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)

Dr. Merson has helped many people get long-term pain relief from their spinal stenosis and avoid surgery.

Call Palm Beach Pain Institute or book your spinal stenosis consultation online today.