Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Brooklyn, NY
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Because symptoms can vary based on the location and severity of narrowing, accurate diagnosis is essential before selecting treatment. At Motionis Medicine, spinal stenosis is evaluated through a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach focused on identifying the primary pain generator and guiding appropriate non-surgical care.
Care is led by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with over 15 years of experience in image-guided spine care.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal or nerve passageways become narrowed, reducing space for the spinal cord or nerve roots. This narrowing most commonly develops as part of age-related degeneration but may also occur due to structural changes in the spine.
Spinal stenosis may affect different regions:
Cervical
spinal stenosis (neck)
Thoracic
spinal stenosis (mid-back)
Lumbar
spinal stenosis (lower back)
Symptoms depend on the location and degree of nerve compression.
Common Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:
Because symptoms can overlap with other spine conditions, further evaluation is often required.
Neck or lower back pain
Pain radiating into the arms or legs
Numbness or tingling in the extremities
Weakness in the arms or legs
Cramping or heaviness in the legs with walking
Symptoms that worsen with standing or walking and improve with sitting or bending forward
Common Causes of Spinal Stenosis We Evaluate
Spinal stenosis is usually caused by structural changes that reduce space within the spine, including:
Degenerative disc disease
Facet joint arthritis and thickened ligaments
Bone spur (osteophyte) formation
Disc bulging or herniation
Spondylolisthesis
Congenital narrowing of the spinal canal
Identifying the specific contributors to spinal narrowing is important for treatment planning.
How Spinal Stenosis Is Evaluated
Evaluation focuses on determining where narrowing is occurring and how it relates to symptoms. A physician-led assessment may include:
Detailed medical history and physical examination
Neurological assessment of strength, sensation, and reflexes
Review of prior imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray), when available
Image-guided diagnostic injections, when appropriate, to help localize pain sources
This structured approach helps distinguish spinal stenosis from other causes of neck or back pain.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis
Treatment recommendations depend on symptom severity, functional limitation, and patient goals. Non-surgical options may include:
Image-guided epidural steroid injections
Facet joint injections or medial branch nerve blocks, when indicated
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for chronic facet-mediated pain
Selective nerve root blocks
Trigger point injections for associated muscle pain
Targeted rehabilitation and recovery planning
Regenerative and non-surgical orthopedic options, when appropriate
All procedures are performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for precision and safety and are selected as part of a broader care plan.
When a Specialist Evaluation May Help
You may benefit from a specialist evaluation if:
Walking or standing worsens leg or arm symptoms
Numbness, weakness, or balance issues develop
Pain persists despite physical therapy or medications
Imaging shows spinal narrowing, but surgery is unclear or undesired
Symptoms interfere with daily activities or mobility
A comprehensive evaluation can clarify the role spinal stenosis plays in your symptoms and outline appropriate next steps.
Schedule a Spinal Stenosis Evaluation
If spinal stenosis symptoms are limiting your mobility or quality of life, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your options and determine the most appropriate non-surgical care.