06/03/2026
What Is Spinal Stenosis and How Is It Treated?
Understanding Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is one of the most common spine conditions treated at Florida Orthopedic & Spine Institute in Naples, Florida. It occurs when the spinal canal, the channel that runs through the vertebrae and houses the spinal cord and nerve roots, narrows and puts pressure on the nerves inside. The narrowing is most often caused by age-related changes: bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or degenerative disc changes that gradually reduce the available space.
Spinal stenosis most commonly affects the lumbar spine, which is the lower back, though it can also occur in the cervical spine, which is the neck. Lumbar stenosis typically causes pain, cramping, heaviness, or weakness in the legs that worsens with walking or prolonged standing and improves with sitting or leaning forward. Cervical stenosis can cause similar symptoms in the arms, hands, or in severe cases, affect balance and coordination.
How Spinal Stenosis Is Diagnosed and Treated
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination, a review of symptoms and history, and imaging — typically an MRI, which provides a clear picture of the spinal canal and any structures compressing the nerves. At Florida Orthopedic & Spine Institute, your physician reviews your imaging with you directly and explains what is visible and what it means for your treatment options.
Non-surgical treatment is tried first in most cases. Epidural steroid injections reduce inflammation around the compressed nerve roots and can provide significant relief, particularly for patients with leg symptoms. Physical therapy focused on lumbar flexion exercises can also reduce symptoms by temporarily increasing the space available in the spinal canal. Many patients manage stenosis effectively with a combination of these approaches for extended periods.
When Surgery Is Considered for Spinal Stenosis
Surgical treatment for spinal stenosis is considered when non-surgical care has not provided adequate relief, when symptoms are significantly limiting daily activity, or when nerve compression is severe enough to cause progressive weakness. The most common surgical procedure for lumbar stenosis is a minimally invasive decompression, which removes the bone or tissue pressing on the nerve without requiring a large incision or extended hospital stay.
At Florida Orthopedic & Spine Institute, spine surgery is performed by a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon using minimally invasive and endoscopic technique. The goal is to address the structural cause of your symptoms with the smallest intervention necessary. Surgery is recommended only after a thorough evaluation confirms it is the appropriate next step.
To schedule an evaluation for spine symptoms in Naples, Florida, call (239) 522-2002 or contact us at [email protected].
Related Articles
Call FOSI · (239) 522-2002