Do you have ongoing neck or back pain due to spinal stenosis and want long-lasting relief? At Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin, SC, in Hudson, Rice Lake, and Altoona, Wisconsin, our interventional spine and pain management experts offer advanced, image-guided treatments designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help patients avoid unnecessary major spine surgery.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows and places pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This narrowing can occur in the neck (cervical stenosis) or lower back (lumbar stenosis) and may cause pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking.
Left untreated, spinal stenosis can gradually limit mobility and independence. Early evaluation allows for more treatment options and better long-term outcomes.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Symptoms vary depending on severity and location, but commonly include:
- Neck or lower back pain (most common in the lower back)
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Muscle weakness
- Leg cramping, heaviness, or fatigue with walking
- Balance problems or difficulty standing for long periods
- In severe cases, bowel or bladder dysfunction
Many patients notice symptoms worsen with standing or walking and improve with sitting or leaning forward.
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is usually the result of age-related changes in the spine, including:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Arthritis-related bone spurs
- Disc herniation or bulging discs
- Thickening of spinal ligaments (ligamentum flayum)
- Prior spinal injury or trauma
- Congenital narrowing of the spinal canal
- Scoliosis or abnormal spinal curvature
Although most common after age 50, younger patients may develop stenosis due to injury or repetitive spinal stress.
Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis
Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Advanced imaging—such as MRI, CT scan, or X-rays—helps identify the level and cause of nerve compression. Accurate diagnosis allows treatment to be targeted to the true source of symptoms.
Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis
Treatment is individualized based on symptom severity, imaging findings, and patient goals. Options may include:
- Activity modification and targeted physical therapy
- Massage or manual therapy to reduce muscle tension
- Image-guided epidural steroid injections
- Ultra–minimally invasive spine procedures
- Regenerative and supportive therapies
Epidural Steroid Injections for Spinal Stenosis
Epidural steroid injections can be safely and effectively performed in patients with spinal stenosis. These injections help reduce inflammation around irritated nerves and may provide meaningful short-term relief.
However, epidural injections do not correct the underlying structural narrowing. For patients with persistent symptoms, newer minimally invasive procedures may offer longer-lasting relief while still avoiding major surgery.
Advanced Minimally Invasive Procedures for Spinal Stenosis
For patients who do not improve with conservative care or injections, our practice offers advanced procedures that do more than injections but are far less invasive than traditional open spine surgery or fusion.
MILD® Procedure (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression)
The MILD® procedure, developed by Stryker, is designed for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis caused by thickening of the ligamentum flavum.
This ultra–minimally invasive procedure:
- Removes small portions of thickened ligament tissue
- Increases space in the spinal canal
- Reduces pressure on spinal nerves
- Does not involve implants, screws, or fusion
MILD is performed through a tiny incision under image guidance and is often done as an outpatient procedure with a relatively quick recovery.
Minuteman® Procedure for Spinal Stabilization
For patients with spinal stenosis associated with instability or spondylolisthesis, the Minuteman® procedure, developed by Spinal Simplicity, may be an effective alternative to open decompression and fusion surgery.
The Minuteman procedure:
- Provides stabilization between vertebrae
- Preserves more normal anatomy than traditional fusion
- Requires a much smaller incision
- Often results in faster recovery and less tissue disruption
This approach allows selected patients to achieve meaningful pain relief and improved function without undergoing major spine surgery.
A Treatment Continuum Focused on Avoiding Major Surgery
At Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin, SC, we emphasize a stepwise approach to spinal stenosis care:
- Conservative therapy and physical rehabilitation
- Epidural steroid injections for inflammation control
- Ultra–minimally invasive procedures like MILD® and Minuteman®
- Major spine surgery only when absolutely necessary
This strategy allows many patients to achieve durable relief while avoiding the risks and prolonged recovery associated with traditional spine fusion surgery.
Why Choose Us for Spinal Stenosis Care
Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin, SC, is a regional leader in comprehensive spine care. Our physicians are board-certified in pain medicine and anesthesiology, with extensive experience in advanced interventional and minimally invasive spine procedures.
We are the only practice in the area offering:
- Epidural injections and advanced interventional pain procedures
- Ultra–minimally invasive spine surgery
- Regenerative medicine options
- Precision image-guided techniques for every procedure
Our mission is to restore function, preserve mobility, and help patients return to the activities they value most.
Spinal Stenosis Consultations in Rice Lake & Hudson
If spinal stenosis is limiting your ability to walk, stand, or enjoy daily activities, schedule a consultation at Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin, SC. We welcome patients from Hudson, Rice Lake, and Altoona, WI. Call (715) 234-7246 (PAIN) today for expert care.