What Is Spinal Stenosis?

A graduate of Harvard and the Duke University School of Medicine, Kristen Radcliff, MD, has worked in medicine for over 14 years. Since 2010, he has served as a spinal surgeon at the Rothman Institute in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. In his work, Dr. Kristen “Kris” Radcliff provides surgical and non-surgical treatments for a range of conditions, including spinal stenosis. 

Characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal, spinal stenosis is an often painful condition that typically occurs in older adults over the age of 50. Although many cases of stenosis stem from arthritis, the condition can also occur due to herniated disks, thickened ligaments, tumors, and even spinal injuries involving dislocations and fractures. 

Some patients with spinal stenosis have no symptoms of the condition, but those who do tend to see the symptoms worsen over time. The most common symptoms are back pain, as well as numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the extremities. Depending on where the stenosis is along the spinal canal, symptoms can affect various parts of the body, including the neck, hands, arms, legs, feet, and buttocks. 

While treatment varies depending on symptom severity, most cases of stenosis are first addressed using non-surgical interventions such as medication, physical therapy, and steroid injections. If these treatments prove ineffective, surgery to decompress the stenosis may be used. The most common surgery performed is a decompressive laminectomy. An example of a decompressive laminectomy performed by Dr. Radcliff may be viewed here: https://youtu.be/5Arv25rUo-w

To learn more about Dr. Kris Radcliff’s practice, visit www.rothmaninstitute.com/kris-e-radcliff-md. Additional information about spinal conditions and related treatments is available at www.orcahealth.com/dr-radcliff.