Spinal
Stenosis

As many as 500,000 Americans have spinal stenosis, a condition that develops when your spinal column narrows and compresses your nerves. At MD Spine Care and Orthopaedics, which has two convenient locations in San Antonio, Texas, Frank K. Kuwamura III, MD, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, diagnoses spinal stenosis and creates customized treatment plans to relieve your symptoms and heal your spine. Call MD Spine Care and Orthopaedics or schedule a consultation online today for expert spine care.

MD Spine Care and Orthopaedics

Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons located in San Antonio, TX

Spinal Stenosis Q & A

  • What is spinal stenosis?

    Your spinal column surrounds and protects your spinal cord and your peripheral nerves as they extend away from your spine and throughout your body. 


    Spinal stenosis develops when something happens that narrows your spinal column and reduces the space available for your nerves. 


    Spinal stenosis can lead to nerve compression, which causes a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. 


    Depending on where your spinal stenosis is located, you might also develop balance problems or lose your ability to pick up small objects.  

  • What causes spinal stenosis?

    Many injuries and degenerative conditions can cause spinal stenosis. For example, degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis may trigger the growth of bone spurs, which can protrude into your spinal canal. 


    Herniated discs are another common cause of spinal stenosis, as the bulging disc interior can also push into the spinal canal and cause nerve compression. Thickened ligaments, tumors, and spinal injuries also contribute to spinal stenosis. 


    Your risk of spinal stenosis increases with age. Also, you have a higher risk of spinal stenosis and other back problems if you’re overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle. 

  • How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?

    At MD Spine Care and Orthopaedics, Dr. Kuwamura begins with a detailed consultation and exam. If he suspects spinal stenosis, he orders diagnostic imaging studies like X-rays and MRIs to examine your spine in more detail. These tests allow him to pinpoint the location of your stenosis and identify its cause. 

  • How is spinal stenosis treated?

    Dr. Kuwamura provides personalized treatment plans for spinal stenosis. He often combines treatments to relieve your pain and address the underlying cause. 


    For example, he might recommend spinal steroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief as well as physical therapy or a decompression procedure to address the underlying issue. 


    When necessary, Dr. Kuwamura recommends surgery to repair your spine. He might suggest a laminectomy, laminotomy, or laminoplasty to remove part of your lamina to create more space for your nerves. 


    He also offers spinal fusion procedures to address issues like herniated discs and disc degeneration, which can cause spinal stenosis.


    Dr. Kuwamura is an accomplished spinal surgeon with decades of experience. Whenever possible, he uses minimally invasive procedures. 


    He also implements regenerative medicine therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells, to accelerate your healing process and recovery. 


    If you have back pain or other symptoms of spinal stenosis, call MD Spine Care and Orthopaedics or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment. 

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