Spinal Stenosis

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As premier hip and knee replacement surgeons in Charleston, SC, Dr. Zimlich and Dr. Stem alleviate patient pain and discomfort using innovative techniques and technologies. Concentrating exclusively on knee and hip replacement, the Lowcountry Orthopaedics Hip and Knee Specialists operate at the Lowcountry Orthopaedics Surgery Center and area hospitals per patient preference.

Top rated for eight years in a row as Charleston’s Choice for best orthopedic surgeons, countless of satisfied patients walk away with a pain free, natural feeling knee or hip. From custom total knee arthroplasty using 3D printing to the area’s first and only outpatient surgery center based robotic knee replacement program, patients trust Lowcountry Orthopaedics Hip and Knee Specialists.

Signature services include:

  • Custom total knee arthroplasty using 3D printing
  • Same day robotic knee replacement program
  • Personalized joint replacement experience
  • Dedicated team of nurses, physician assistants, and physical therapists
  • Proven outcomes for quick recovery and pain-free lives

Same day appointments are available at one of our convenient North Charleston, Summerville, or Daniel Island locations.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. Options for spinal stenosis include:

Medications

To reduce inflammation, either over the counter or prescription NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Spinal Injections

Corticosteroid (cortisone) injections reduce inflammation within the spinal canal and reduce irritation of the nerves. People with mild to moderate stenosis can have long-term relief from these injections.

Bracing

To help stabilize the spine in more severe cases.

Physical Therapy

To strengthen the core muscles and back muscles to help stabilize the spine.

Surgery

Surgery is always a last resort but sometimes is needed if symptoms become severe enough or if there is damage. The surgery involves removing bone spurs, calcified ligaments, and anything that is narrowing the spinal canal in order to relieve the pressure on the nerves.

Causes

There are several causes of spinal stenosis. It is usually a degenerative (arthritis) problem where a combination of bone spurs, calcification of ligaments, and disc degeneration or bulging causes the narrowing.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of spinal stenosis are back and leg pain. Pain in the legs can occur with standing or walking. Usually, people will have progressive difficulty walking for any distance and feel weakness, numbness, or heaviness in the hips and legs. They may feel better leaning forward (on a shopping cart or walker) or even riding a bicycle. The severity of the symptoms usually progresses slowly as the spinal canal becomes more narrow.

Diagnostics

  • History and physical exam
  • X-ray: Shows bone spurs, calcifications
  • MRI or CT scan: Shows the degree of narrowing in the spinal canal
  • Vascular tests: Evaluate the blood flow to the legs
  • Neurologic testing: EMG/nerve conduction testing

There are other diseases that cause similar symptoms, including PVD (peripheral vascular disease) and diabetic neuropathy. Other tests may be needed to determine if they are a factor in your symptoms.

Lowcountry Orthopaedics’ Spine Team

Christopher Battista, MD

Christopher Battista, MD

Spine Surgeon

Don Stovall, Jr, MD

Don Stovall, Jr, MD

Spine Surgeon

Carey Lennon, PA-C

Carey Lennon, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Kylie Smith, FNP

Kylie Smith, FNP

Nurse Practitioner

Hip & Knee Specialists

Fast forward to feeling better with Lowcountry Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine’s board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons that specialize in joint reconstruction and hip and knee surgery.

Same Day Appointments

Same-Day Joint Replacement

The benefits of same-day total hip or knee replacement surgery include fast recovery, lower risk of infection, no risk of hospital-acquired illness, cost reduction, and increased patient satisfaction. Patients interested in same-day joint surgery should schedule an evaluation with Dr. Zimlich to review their medical profile for candidacy.

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