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Spinal Stenosis Treatment

Comprehensive treatment for spinal stenosis in the neck and lower back. Dr. Hobbs offers conservative care and minimally invasive surgical decompression to relieve nerve pressure and restore your mobility.

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Medically reviewed by Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D. · Updated June 2026

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.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Why Choose Dr. Hobbs for Spinal Stenosis Treatment

Specialty-Trained Neurosurgeon
Board-certified neurosurgeon with extensive experience treating spinal stenosis
Elite Training
University of Kentucky medical degree; University of Chicago neurosurgery residency
Tumor & Deformity Expertise
Specialty-Trained to use advanced minimally invasive techniques for outpatient minimally invasive spine surgery
Conservative-First Approach
Always explores nonsurgical solutions before recommending surgery

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.

Interactive: Understand Your MRI

Click through an annotated lumbar MRI to see the spinal canal, nerves, and ligaments — and how stenosis narrows the space around them.

Explore the MRI

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

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500 E. 109th Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307

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Chesterton, IN 46304