Book now
Patient consulting with Dr. Reznikov about spinal stenosis treatment at Pain Treatment Center of Maryland Reisterstown

Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Reisterstown, MD

Reclaim Your Mobility and Comfort

Book now
Common In:Adults 50+
Primary Causes:Aging, Arthritis, Disc Degeneration
Treatment Time:15-30 minutes
Results:Days to 2 weeks
Anatomical illustration of spinal canal narrowing at Pain Treatment Center of Maryland Reisterstown
Understanding Your Spine

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Recognizing the Signs

Spinal stenosis is a progressive narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina that compresses the spinal cord and nerve roots. This condition most commonly affects the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness that can significantly limit daily function.

When you notice that walking even short distances triggers aching or heaviness in your legs, or that leaning forward over a shopping cart brings unexpected relief, you may be experiencing the hallmark symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis. Cervical stenosis can manifest as tingling in the hands or difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning a shirt.

Many patients describe a gradual loss of independence as activities they once enjoyed — walking through the neighborhood, standing at social events, or playing with grandchildren — become increasingly difficult. The unpredictability of symptoms can make even routine errands feel daunting.

Illustration of degenerative spinal changes causing stenosis at Pain Treatment Center of Maryland Reisterstown
The Science

Why Spinal Stenosis Happens

Understanding the Root Causes

The spinal canal provides a protective passageway for the spinal cord and branching nerve roots. In a healthy spine, this canal maintains adequate space — typically 15-25 mm in diameter at the lumbar level. As degenerative changes accumulate over decades, bony overgrowths (osteophytes), thickened ligaments, and bulging discs gradually encroach on this space.

As the canal narrows, nerve roots become compressed against rigid bony structures. This mechanical pressure disrupts normal nerve signaling, producing the radiating pain, numbness, and muscle weakness patients experience. Even a few millimeters of narrowing can produce significant symptoms when nerves are involved.

The ligamentum flavum — a thick ligament lining the back of the spinal canal — naturally thickens and loses elasticity with age. This hypertrophy, combined with facet joint enlargement from osteoarthritis, creates a compounding effect where multiple structures simultaneously reduce the available space for neural tissue.

Diagram of neurogenic claudication and nerve compression at Pain Treatment Center of Maryland
Deeper Understanding

Neurogenic Claudication & Nerve Compression

How Stenosis Affects Your Nervous System

Neurogenic claudication — the leg pain and heaviness triggered by walking or standing — is the most characteristic symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis. Unlike vascular claudication from poor blood flow, neurogenic claudication results from direct mechanical compression of the cauda equina nerve bundle, which controls sensation and motor function in the lower extremities.

When you stand upright or extend your spine, the spinal canal naturally narrows by approximately 9% compared to a flexed position. In a stenotic spine, this positional narrowing pushes already-compromised nerves past their tolerance threshold, explaining why patients instinctively lean forward or sit down for relief — flexion temporarily opens the canal.

Chronic nerve compression can trigger an inflammatory cascade within the spinal canal, where compressed nerve roots release pro-inflammatory cytokines. This neuroinflammation amplifies pain signals beyond what mechanical compression alone would produce, which is why targeted anti-inflammatory interventions like epidural steroid injections can provide meaningful relief.

Lifestyle and aging factors contributing to spinal stenosis at Pain Treatment Center of Maryland Reisterstown
Contributing Factors

What Accelerates Spinal Stenosis?

Identifying Your Risk Factors

01

Age-Related Degeneration

After age 50, cumulative wear on spinal structures accelerates ligament thickening and facet joint enlargement that progressively narrow the canal.

02

Osteoarthritis

Arthritic changes in the facet joints produce bone spurs (osteophytes) that protrude into the spinal canal and compress nearby nerve roots.

03

Disc Degeneration

As intervertebral discs lose water content and height, they can bulge into the canal while reducing the space available at neural foramina.

04

Genetic Predisposition

Some individuals are born with a congenitally narrow spinal canal, meaning even minor degenerative changes can produce symptoms earlier in life.

05

Repetitive Spinal Stress

Occupations or activities involving prolonged standing, heavy lifting, or repetitive spinal extension accelerate degenerative changes in the lumbar spine.

Pain Treatment Center of Maryland clinic interior in Reisterstown Maryland
Why PTCOFMD

Why Choose Pain Treatment Center of Maryland

Expert Care in Reisterstown

  • Board-Certified PM&R Specialist
  • Fluoroscopic-Guided Precision
  • Non-Surgical Focus
  • Individualized Treatment Plans

Treatment Options Comparison

Finding Your Best Approach

Treatment Best For Session Time Results Timeline Maintenance
Epidural Steroid Injection Radiating leg pain & inflammation 15-30 min 3-7 days Every 3-6 months
Nerve Block Localized nerve pain & diagnosis 15-20 min Immediate to days As needed
Patient concerned about back and leg pain at Pain Treatment Center of Maryland Reisterstown
Is This You?

You May Be Experiencing Spinal Stenosis If...

Recognizing When to Seek Help

  • Walking Limitations
  • Shopping Cart Relief
  • Standing Discomfort
  • Leg Numbness or Tingling
  • Sleep Disruption
  • Activity Avoidance
Your Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

About Spinal Stenosis

01 What is spinal stenosis and what causes it?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves, most commonly caused by age-related degenerative changes including arthritis, disc degeneration, and ligament thickening. It typically develops gradually after age 50.

02 Can spinal stenosis be treated without surgery?

Yes, many patients experience significant symptom relief through non-surgical approaches. At Pain Treatment Center of Maryland, Dr. Reznikov uses targeted epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks to reduce inflammation and pain without surgical intervention.

03 How do epidural steroid injections help with spinal stenosis?

Epidural injections deliver anti-inflammatory corticosteroids directly to the compressed nerve roots in the spinal canal. This reduces the inflammation and swelling surrounding the nerves, which typically provides meaningful pain relief lasting weeks to months.

04 What activities should I avoid with spinal stenosis?

Activities that involve prolonged standing, walking long distances without rest, or extending your spine backward typically worsen symptoms. Many patients find that exercises performed in a slightly flexed position, such as cycling or swimming, are better tolerated.

05 How does spinal stenosis progress over time?

Spinal stenosis is generally a slowly progressive condition, though symptoms can fluctuate. Not all patients worsen significantly, and many maintain good function with appropriate management including periodic injections and activity modification.

06 How quickly will I feel relief after an injection?

Many patients notice improvement within 3 to 7 days as the anti-inflammatory medication takes effect. Some experience partial relief sooner, while the full benefit typically develops over one to two weeks following the procedure.

07 Can epidural injections and nerve blocks be combined?

Yes, Dr. Reznikov may recommend a combination approach depending on your specific stenosis pattern. Nerve blocks can help identify the exact pain source, while epidural injections address broader inflammation along the affected spinal segment.

08 When should I see a specialist about my back and leg symptoms?

You should seek professional evaluation if leg pain or numbness limits your walking distance, if symptoms are progressively worsening, or if you experience any sudden weakness, bowel, or bladder changes — which require urgent medical attention.

Location116 Westminster Pike, Suite 106
Reisterstown, MD, 21136
Emailzalina@ptcofmd.com
Phone(410) 833-1011
Ready to Start?

Schedule Your Consultation

Scientific References

  1. PubMed (PMID: 25939018) - Lumbar spinal stenosis: a brief review of nonsurgical management approaches, demonstrating efficacy of epidural steroid injections for symptom control.
  2. PubMed (PMID: 26151292) - Systematic review of epidural injections for lumbar spinal stenosis showing significant short- and intermediate-term pain relief in the majority of patients.
  3. PubMed (PMID: 21897343) - SPORT trial long-term outcomes comparing surgical and nonsurgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, showing meaningful improvement in both groups.
  4. PubMed (PMID: 27831831) - Pathophysiology and natural history of lumbar spinal stenosis, including ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and neurogenic claudication mechanisms.
  5. PubMed (PMID: 30134424) - North American Spine Society evidence-based guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.