Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the space inside the spine becomes narrow and starts pressing on the spinal cord or nerves. It happens most often in the lower back (lumbar stenosis) and the neck (cervical stenosis). It is one of the most common reasons for back and leg pain in people above the age of 50, and it is also one of the main reasons for spine surgery in older adults.

Spinal stenosis usually develops slowly over many years due to wear and tear of the spine. Many people first notice that they cannot walk as far as before, and their legs feel heavy, painful or numb after walking a short distance. Sitting or bending forward often gives relief. In Mumbai, many senior citizens accept this as a normal part of ageing, but it can be treated. At SpineArc, Dr. Tanmay Avhad treats spinal stenosis with a step by step approach, and for patients who need surgery, endoscopic decompression can often be done under local anaesthesia, which makes it a safer option for elderly patients and those with diabetes or heart problems.

Symptoms

The symptoms of spinal stenosis depend on where the narrowing is and how much pressure is on the nerves. Common symptoms include:

Pain, heaviness or cramps in the legs that come on while walking or standing and ease with sitting.

Needing to stop and rest after walking a short distance.

Lower back pain along with pain in one or both legs.

Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs or feet.

Relief when bending forward, like leaning on a shopping trolley or walker.

In neck stenosis, numbness in the hands, loss of grip, clumsiness or imbalance while walking.

Causes

Spinal stenosis can happen due to many changes in the spine. Some of the most common causes are:

Age related wear and tear of the spine bones and joints.

Bone spurs (extra bone growth) that reduce the space for the nerves.

Thickening of the ligaments inside the spinal canal.

Bulging or slipped discs that push into the spinal canal.

Spondylolisthesis, where one spine bone slips over another.

Old spine injuries or previous spine surgery.

In some people, a narrow spinal canal from birth.

Diagnosis & Treatment

To treat spinal stenosis the right way, the exact level and amount of narrowing must be found first. At SpineArc, diagnosis and treatment follow a step by step approach:

Detailed physical check to test walking distance, leg strength, reflexes, sensation and balance.
Imaging tests like MRI to see the narrowing and nerve pressure, X-ray to check spine alignment and stability, and CT scan when bone detail is needed.
Medicines and physiotherapy, including painkillers, nerve pain medicines and exercises to improve walking and core strength.
Lifestyle changes like staying active, weight control and using walking breaks.
Image-guided spine injections, like epidural injections or lateral recess blocks, to reduce nerve pain and improve walking.
Endoscopic decompression for stenosis that affects daily life and does not improve with other treatment. The extra bone and thick ligament pressing on the nerves are removed through a small cut using a camera, often under local anaesthesia, and most patients walk the same day and go home within 24 to 36 hours.
Minimally invasive or endoscopic fusion only in selected cases where the spine is unstable, like spondylolisthesis.

Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to get spinal stenosis. Knowing these factors can help you take early care:

Age

Spinal stenosis is most common after the age of 50.

Spine arthritis

Wear and tear of the spine joints leads to bone spurs and narrowing.

Past spine problems

Old injuries, slipped discs or earlier spine surgery can raise the risk.

Extra body weight

More weight adds pressure on the lower spine.

Heavy physical work

Years of lifting and bending can speed up spine wear.

You Deserve a Life Without Spinal Stenosis Pain

Get the right diagnosis and advanced spinal stenosis treatment in Mumbai from Dr. Tanmay Avhad at 4 hospitals across the city. Available 6 days a week, book your consultation today.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about spinal stenosis treatment in Mumbai, answered simply by Dr. Tanmay Avhad.

What is the main symptom of spinal stenosis?

The most common symptom is pain, heaviness or numbness in the legs while walking or standing, which gets better when you sit down or bend forward.

Can spinal stenosis be treated without surgery?

Yes. Mild to moderate stenosis can often be managed with medicines, physiotherapy and image-guided injections. Surgery is suggested when walking becomes very limited or there is nerve weakness.

Is endoscopic surgery safe for elderly patients with stenosis?

Endoscopic decompression is often done under local anaesthesia with a small cut and very little blood loss. This makes it a good option for elderly patients and those with diabetes, heart or lung problems, after a proper check.

Will I need a fusion for spinal stenosis?

Not always. Most patients only need decompression to free the nerves. Fusion is needed only when the spine is unstable, like in spondylolisthesis.

How soon can I walk after stenosis surgery?

After endoscopic decompression, most patients walk on the same day and go home within 24 to 36 hours. Walking distance usually improves over the following weeks.

How can I book an appointment for spinal stenosis treatment?

You can call +91 79779 26003 or +91 99203 97922, send a WhatsApp message, or fill the form on this website. Our team will call you to confirm your time and hospital.

Where does Dr. Tanmay Avhad consult in Mumbai?

Dr. Tanmay consults at 6 hospitals in Mumbai:

Sphere Multispeciality Clinic, Dadar East, Mumbai (Mon, Wed & Fri – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
Aryan Multispeciality Hospital, Kalachowki (Mon, Wed & Fri – 5PM to 6PM)
Life Care Hospital, Sion (Tue, Thu & Sat – 5PM to 6PM)
Lion Tarachand Bapa Hospital, Sion, Mumbai (Tue, Thu & Sat – 6:30PM to 7:30PM)
Sushrut Hospital and Research Centre, Chembur (Tue, Thu & Sat – 8PM to 9PM)
Gleneagles Hospital, Parel