Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis Care at UVM Health
Spinal stenosis occurs when your spinal column, the bony canal around your spinal cord and nerves, narrows. This narrowing compresses your spinal cord and nerves, causing significant pain and possibly weakness or numbness.
Back and nerve pain can significantly interfere with your quality of life. At University of Vermont Health, we offer a wide range of treatments to relieve pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy. Our spine program is the largest of its kind in Vermont and northern New York, positioning us among the most experienced experts in the region.
Why Choose UVM Health?
As one of the leading orthopedic programs in the region, we offer:
- Team-based, specialized care: Orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons with fellowship training in spine surgery collaborate to offer treatment. They work with a team of experts — including pain management physicians, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, dedicated spine physical therapists and advanced practice providers — to bring you comprehensive care for spinal stenosis.
- Full range of techniques: You have access to the most advanced surgical spine care in the region. Our team offers a full range of surgical techniques to treat spinal stenosis, including image-guided surgery, robotics and microsurgery.
- Patient-centered approach: We personalize each treatment to your needs, turning to surgery only when it’s the most effective option. Nurses and physical therapists spend extra time educating you on your treatment plan, giving clear instructions and reviewing what to expect if you need surgery.
- Research emphasis: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physician-leaders are active researchers, many of whom are training the next generation of experts. We are at the forefront of orthopedic care, presenting our research at national meetings. We constantly improve the care we offer our patients by tracking outcomes and staying up to date on the latest technologies and treatments.
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is common in adults over 50. As you age, wear and tear in your spine can cause problems that lead to pain. Spinal stenosis may develop due to:
- Arthritis: The cushioning between your joints and bones wears away.
- Bone spurs: You develop small bony growths (bone spurs) that can take up space in the spinal canal and press on your nerves.
- Disc degeneration: The rubbery pads (discs) between your spinal bones dry out and lose height.
- Thickened ligaments: The bands of tissue that hold your spinal bones together thicken and press into your spinal nerves.
- Tumors: Rarely, an irregular growth may develop along your spine, compressing your spinal column and nerves.
- Spinal injuries: Any type of traumatic injury, including spinal fractures, can cause spinal column narrowing and spinal cord compression.
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Spinal stenosis can occur anywhere along your spine, but it most commonly affects your neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine). You may experience:
- Balance and hand coordination issues
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty standing or walking distances
- Numbness or tingling
- Sharp, burning pain that radiates down the back of your leg (sciatica)
In rare, severe cases, you may experience a loss of bladder or bowel control. This is known as acute cauda equina syndrome and requires emergency treatment.
Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a common cause of back pain. To determine what is causing your pain, a provider will examine you. They’ll ask questions about your symptoms, including when they started, what worsens them, and what, if anything, relieves them. Then they’ll use tests such as:
- X-rays: Use low doses of radiation to create images of your bones and allow your provider to examine the alignment in your spine
- MRIs: Use magnets and radio waves to get a close look at your soft tissues, allowing your provider to identify herniated discs or other disc problems
- Single photo emission computed tomography (SPECT) CT scans: Use a contrast dye and series of specialized X-rays to better identify the source of your pain
Spinal Stenosis Treatment
Treatment for spinal stenosis varies based on your symptoms, the severity of the narrowing and your overall health. Our team starts treatment with noninvasive approaches, only turning to surgery when it’s the most effective option. Your care plan may include:
Your provider may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines or steroids. These medications help decrease swelling, reduce inflammation and relieve pain. You may also take pain relievers, including over-the-counter options, or muscle relaxers.
A physical therapist can teach you exercises that help improve your strength and range of motion. They may also use hands-on techniques to gently stretch your muscles and joints.
Your provider may inject a steroid medication near your spine to relieve pain. Steroids can also help reduce inflammation and swelling and promote healing.
In some cases, surgery may be the best option for treating your condition. Our team offers a full range of surgical techniques, including image-guided surgery, robotics and microsurgery. We may operate to remove bony growths (spurs), relieve nerve compression or stabilize your spine. The type of surgery you need depends on several factors, including how much nerve damage you have, your spine stability and your overall health.
Awards & Certifications
Healthgrades
Healthgrades, a prominent online resource for consumers seeking information about doctors and hospitals, has named University of Vermont Medical Center among the top 10 percent in the U.S. for outpatient orthopedic surgery and recognized the academic medical center with its prestigious Outpatient Joint Replacement Excellence Award.
Locations Near You
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111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, East Pavilion, Level 5
Burlington, VT 05401-1473
206 Cornelia Street
Suite 201
Plattsburgh, NY 12901-2779
192 Tilley Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403-4440
1311 Barre Montpelier Road
Suite 400
Berlin, VT 05602
1311 Barre Montpelier Road
Suite 400
Berlin, VT 05602
76 McNeil Road
Suite 2
Waterbury Center, VT 05677-7162
