Spinal Stenosis

If you experience neck pain, back pain, numbness, or tingling, you might have a condition called spinal stenosis (narrowed spinal canal). In Bangor, Maine, skilled pain management and anesthesiology specialist Ammar Mahmoud, MD, diagnoses spinal stenosis and offers treatments to reduce spinal narrowing and ease bothersome pain. Call his office to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a condition that affects your spinal canal. It occurs when the canal becomes too narrow and may press against certain nerves and your spinal cord. This can result in ongoing or severe pain. Treatment with Dr. Mahmoud offers you the relief you deserve.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

The symptoms you may have because of spinal stenosis include:

• Low back pain
• Neck discomfort
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Shooting or radiating pain
• Burning discomfort
• Leg heaviness or cramping
• Poor bowel or bladder control
• Clumsiness
• Balance problems

Your symptoms may worsen when you stand or walk but decrease when sitting down, lying, or slightly leaning forward.

You might not have any symptoms initially, but over time they may gradually appear and worsen when left untreated.

What are the risk factors for spinal stenosis?

The common causes and risk factors associated with spinal stenosis include:

• Being over 50
• Being born with a narrow spinal canal
• Scoliosis
• Other spinal irregularities
• Spinal fractures
• Other injuries
• Bone spurs 
• Disc herniation
• Arthritis
• Thickened ligaments
• Spinal cord tumors
• Cysts within your spinal cord

See Dr. Mahmoud at the first sign of spinal stenosis to prevent worsening pain and other complications. 

How does my provider diagnose spinal stenosis?

Dr. Mahmoud diagnoses spinal stenosis after discussing your lifestyle habits, medical history, and symptoms. He also completes a physical exam and may order X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan, or nerve tests to make a final diagnosis and customize your treatment.

How is spinal stenosis treated?

Dr. Mahmoud offers various treatments for spinal stenosis, depending on its cause and severity. He may recommend heat or ice packs, physical therapy, oral medications, epidural steroid injections, lumbar decompression, or surgery.

Dr. Mahmoud uses the minimally invasive Vertiflex™ procedure to insert a spacer into an area of your spine to preserve space and keep pressure off of nearby nerves.

He tailors each treatment plan based on your pain level, lifestyle, treatment preferences, and desired results.

To learn more about your treatment options for spinal stenosis, call the office of Ammar Mahmoud, MD, or use the online booking feature today.