Spinal stenosis is a debilitating condition that affects many individuals, particularly as we age. Spinal stenosis involves the narrowing of spaces within the spine, causing compression onto the spinal cord and nerves coming from the spinal cord that go to muscles throughout your body. This narrowing can occur in most parts of the spine but is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine), where it can significantly impact a person’s function and quality of life.

The Anatomy of Spinal Stenosis
The spine consists of vertebrae (made of bone) stacked upon one another. These vertebrae have a hollow space that holds and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots, called the spinal canal. In spinal stenosis, the open spaces between the vertebrae within the spine narrow, placing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis
The result of spinal stenosis is often pain, numbness, or weakness, particularly in the legs. Pain is often described as a burning pain radiating to the buttocks and legs that worsens with extended periods of standing or walking. One common symptom that can help your pain provider diagnose spinal stenosis is called the “shopping cart sign.” Have you experienced leg pain and weakness while grocery shopping only to find relief when leaning over the cart? This is often reported by patients with spinal stenosis. The reason patients get relief when they lean over the cart is because it opens or widens the spinal space between vertebrae and relieves the pressure on the nerves.

Functional Impact: Navigating Life with Spinal Stenosis
Patients with spinal stenosis may find their daily lives significantly altered. The pain and discomfort associated with the condition can limit one’s ability to stand or walk for extended periods, affecting everything from daily errands to enjoying recreational activities. For those accustomed to an active lifestyle, the impact can be particularly challenging, diminishing not only physical function, but also the overall quality of life.

A Ray of Hope: Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)
Traditionally, surgical interventions have been considered for spinal stenosis; however, the field of interventional pain management has witnessed significant advancements, bringing forth less invasive alternatives. One such innovation is Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD). This outpatient procedure is designed to address the root cause of spinal stenosis without the need for major surgery.

How MILD Works: Precision and Effectiveness
MILD specifically targets the areas of the spine contributing to stenosis. Under x-ray guidance, a specialized tool is used to remove small pieces of bone and excess ligament tissue, which mechanically enlarges the spinal canal and relieves the pressure on nerves. The beauty of MILD lies in its minimally invasive nature, requiring only a small incision and resulting in less postoperative discomfort and a quicker recovery. In many successful cases, patients are able to stand upright without pain for the first time in years within minutes following the procedure.

Paving the Way for a More Active Tomorrow
Understanding spinal stenosis empowers patients to explore innovative solutions with their care team. MILD is not just a procedure; it represents a step toward a more active life not controlled by pain. If you or a loved one is grappling with the challenges of what you suspect could be spinal stenosis, know that advancements in pain management treatments offer new avenues for relief. Let’s embark on a journey to reclaim the joys of movement and rediscover a life unhindered by pain.

Arpan J. Patel, MD, is the director of the Edgerton Hospital Pain & Spine Center. He’s board certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine, and fellowship trained in interventional pain medicine from the Tri-Institute Pain Fellowship program in New York, NY.

EDGERTON HOSPITAL PAIN & SPINE CENTER
(608) 561-6641
edgertonhospital.com