Spinal Stenosis Treatment | Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D.

The condition

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that travel through the spine. This narrowing most commonly occurs in the lumbar spine (lower back) and the cervical spine (neck).

The narrowing is usually caused by age-related changes in the spine, including thickening of ligaments, bone spur formation, bulging discs, and arthritis of the facet joints. These changes gradually reduce the space available for the spinal cord and nerves, leading to compression and symptoms.

Spinal stenosis develops slowly over time and most commonly affects adults over age 50. While some people with spinal stenosis have no symptoms, others experience significant pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking that can severely impact quality of life.

At a glance

What it is: Narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve openings that presses on the spinal cord or nerves
Where: Most often the lumbar spine (lower back); also the cervical spine (neck)
Hallmark symptom: Neurogenic claudication — leg pain or heaviness with walking that eases when sitting or leaning forward
Who: Most common in adults over 50; progresses slowly with age-related changes
First-line care: Physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, medication, activity modification
If surgery is needed: Minimally invasive laminectomy or foraminotomy; fusion only when the spine is also unstable
Typical recovery: Light activity in 2–4 weeks; most normal activity by 6–12 weeks

Interactive — change your posture

Why Leaning on a Shopping Cart Helps

The same narrowed canal, in two positions. Tap a posture to see what happens to the space around the nerves — and why your symptoms come and go.

Realistic lumbar cutaway in an upright posture, showing disc and ligament crowding the nerve roots at the narrowed canal — **Less room around the nerves**Upright posture can increase crowding in an already narrowed canal.

Matching lumbar cutaway in forward flexion, showing more space around the nerve roots while the degenerative disc and ligament remain — **Less room around the nerves**Upright posture can increase crowding in an already narrowed canal.

Educational 3D cutaways. Anatomy is exposed to show the nerves and surrounding tissues; these are illustrations, not patient scans.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Where the canal narrows determines what you feel. Lumbar stenosis shows up in the legs; cervical stenosis in the arms, hands, and balance.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs when walking or standing (neurogenic claudication)
Numbness or tingling in the legs, feet, or buttocks
Weakness in the legs or feet
Symptoms that improve when sitting, bending forward, or leaning on a cart
Reduced walking distance over time

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Neck pain and stiffness
Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, or fingers
Weakness in the hands or arms (difficulty with fine motor tasks)
Balance problems or unsteady walking
In severe cases, bladder or bowel dysfunction

Understanding Neurogenic Claudication

The hallmark symptom of lumbar stenosis is neurogenic claudication — leg pain and heaviness that worsens with walking or standing and improves with sitting or bending forward. Many patients notice they can walk farther when leaning on a shopping cart because the forward-leaning position opens the spinal canal and reduces nerve pressure.

Causes & risk factors

Causes and Risk Factors

Spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by age-related degenerative changes in the spine. As we age, the structures of the spine gradually change, potentially narrowing the space available for the spinal cord and nerves.

Osteoarthritis — Wear-and-tear arthritis causes bone spur formation that can protrude into the spinal canal
Thickened ligaments — The ligaments that hold the spine together can thicken and buckle into the spinal canal
Disc changes — Bulging or degenerated discs can contribute to canal narrowing
Spondylolisthesis — A slipped vertebra can narrow the canal and compress nerves
Age — Most common in adults over 50, with increasing prevalence with age
Genetics — Some people are born with a naturally narrower spinal canal

Diagnosis

How Dr. Hobbs Diagnoses Spinal Stenosis

Dr. Hobbs performs a comprehensive evaluation to accurately diagnose spinal stenosis and determine the severity of nerve compression.

Physical Examination

Assessing your gait, balance, reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation. Dr. Hobbs will observe whether your symptoms change with standing, walking, or bending forward.

Medical History

Discussing the nature and duration of your symptoms, what activities make them better or worse, and how they affect your daily life.

Imaging Studies

MRI is the primary imaging tool, providing detailed views of the spinal canal, nerve compression, and surrounding soft tissues. X-rays may be used to evaluate bone spurs, alignment, and stability. CT scans can provide additional detail about bony anatomy when surgical planning is needed.

Already have an MRI report? Decode the terms in your lumbar MRI

Treatment

Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis

Dr. Hobbs believes nonsurgical treatments should always be explored first. Many patients with spinal stenosis can manage their symptoms effectively without surgery.

Step one

Conservative Treatment

Physical therapy — Exercises to strengthen core and back muscles, improve flexibility, and maintain spinal stability
Epidural steroid injections — Anti-inflammatory medication injected directly into the epidural space to reduce swelling and relieve nerve pressure
Medications — Anti-inflammatory drugs, nerve pain medications, and muscle relaxants to manage symptoms
Activity modification — Adjusting activities and posture to minimize symptoms while staying active

If conservative care is not enough

Surgical Treatment

When conservative treatment is insufficient, Dr. Hobbs offers minimally invasive surgical options:

Minimally invasive laminectomy — The most common procedure for stenosis. Dr. Hobbs removes the portion of bone and thickened ligament compressing the nerves through small incisions using advanced minimally invasive techniques. This creates more space for the nerves while preserving spinal stability.
Foraminotomy — Widens the foramen (the opening where nerve roots exit the spinal canal), relieving nerve compression at that specific point.
Minimally invasive fusion — When stenosis is accompanied by instability or spondylolisthesis, a fusion may be performed to stabilize the spine while decompressing the nerves.

Procedures & resources

Explore the Options for Stenosis

If surgery becomes part of the plan, these are the approaches Dr. Hobbs most often uses for spinal stenosis.

Laminectomy
Removing the bone and ligament that press on the nerves, through small incisions

Minimally Invasive Surgery
Muscle-sparing techniques, less pain, and a faster return home

Coflex® Stabilization
A motion-preserving implant placed after decompression for select lumbar stenosis patients

Outpatient Spine Surgery
Why many stenosis patients go home the same day

Symptoms in your neck, arms, or hands?

Narrowing in the cervical spine behaves differently — it can affect the spinal cord itself, causing hand clumsiness and balance problems that deserve prompt evaluation.

Cervical stenosis

Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D.

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon · Spine Surgery

ABNS
Certified

Residency
Chicago

M.D.
Kentucky

Why Dr. Hobbs

Why Choose Dr. Hobbs for Spinal Stenosis Treatment

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, with extensive experience treating spinal stenosis.
Elite Training
University of Kentucky medical degree; neurosurgery residency at the University of Chicago, serving as chief resident.
Minimally Invasive Expertise
Specialty-trained in advanced minimally invasive techniques for outpatient spine surgery.
Conservative-First Approach
Always explores nonsurgical solutions before recommending surgery.
Navigation-Guided Precision
Computerized surgical navigation for accurate decompression through small incisions.
Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute
Practicing at Northwest Indiana's most preferred orthopedic and spine practice, with offices in Crown Point & Chesterton.

Call (219) 250-5010 How a laminectomy works

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Stenosis

Yes. Many patients with spinal stenosis respond well to conservative treatments including physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modification. Dr. Hobbs always explores nonsurgical options first. Surgery is recommended only when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief or when neurological symptoms such as progressive weakness or balance problems are worsening.

Neurogenic claudication is the hallmark symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis. It causes leg pain, heaviness, cramping, weakness, or numbness that worsens with walking or standing and improves with sitting or bending forward. Patients often find they can walk farther when leaning on a shopping cart because the forward-leaning position opens the spinal canal and reduces nerve pressure. This distinguishes it from vascular claudication, which is caused by poor blood circulation.

Spinal stenosis is generally a progressive condition, meaning it tends to worsen slowly over time as degenerative changes continue. However, the rate of progression varies significantly between individuals. Some patients remain stable for years with conservative management, while others experience gradual worsening of symptoms. Regular monitoring with Dr. Hobbs helps track any changes and adjust treatment accordingly.

A minimally invasive laminectomy is a procedure where Dr. Hobbs removes a small portion of bone (the lamina) and any thickened ligament that is compressing the spinal nerves. Using small incisions, specialized retractors, and computerized surgical navigation, this approach preserves surrounding muscles and tissues far better than traditional open surgery. The result is less postoperative pain, smaller scars, and a significantly faster recovery. Many patients are able to go home the same day.

With Dr. Hobbs's minimally invasive approach, most patients notice immediate improvement in leg symptoms after surgery. Walking ability typically improves within days. Patients generally return to light activities within 2-4 weeks and resume most normal activities within 6-12 weeks. The timeline depends on the extent of the procedure, overall health, and individual healing. Dr. Hobbs provides detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up care to optimize your recovery.

Get Expert Spinal Stenosis Treatment

Don't let spinal stenosis limit your mobility. Dr. Hobbs offers the latest minimally invasive treatments to relieve nerve pressure and get you walking comfortably again.

(219) 250-5010

Monday – Friday · 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Crown Point Office

500 E. 109th Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307

Chesterton Office

601 Gateway Boulevard
Chesterton, IN 46304

Your next step

Discuss your spine care with Dr. Hobbs

Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D. is a board-certified neurosurgeon at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute. For questions about spinal stenosis treatment, call the office to arrange an individual evaluation and discuss which options may be appropriate.

Consultation offices: Crown Point, Chesterton. Your symptoms, examination, imaging, and prior treatment help guide the discussion.

Call (219) 250-5010 Appointments & insurance

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