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Comprehensive Spinal Stenosis Treatment

Spinal stenosis can seriously impact your quality of life over time. The good news is that there are many ways to treat it. Visit the experienced Dr. Melikian and his team of spinal specialists today and discover the options that await you. Dr. Melikian will develop a personalized treatment plan that meets you where you are and treats you to your comfort level.

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis refers to a lack of space in the spinal column that compresses the spinal cord and attached nerves. Different causes of this condition vary between individuals, such as aging, genetics, herniated discs, bone spurs or spinal injuries. When symptomatic, spinal stenosis often afflicts the lower back, neck or legs with:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling or weakness
  • Pain
  • Imbalances

Non-Operative Spinal Stenosis Treatment Options

In most cases of spinal stenosis, Dr. Melikian recommends conservative treatment methods before attempting surgical intervention. Our non-operative treatment options include:

  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy is the foundation of many spinal stenosis treatment plans. Working with a licensed physical therapist can help loosen the muscles and ligaments causing pain and strengthen your spine to avoid future injury. This treatment may also involve modalities like massage, heat, ice and electrical stimulation (TENS).
  • Steroid injections: Epidural and facet injections target the specific areas causing you pain by introducing steroids into the spinal nerves. Steroid injections can help alleviate pain and inflammation and help diagnose the root cause.
  • Chiropractic treatment: If part of your back and neck pain is the result of spine misalignment, chiropractic treatments may help relieve tension and pain. This modality can also help stretch the muscles in the affected area and improve mobility.
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture stimulates your body’s natural pain response, encouraging it to release endorphins that act as natural painkillers.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Options with Dr. Melikian

If you need further support beyond non-operative treatments, Dr. Melikian will work with you to identify the surgical procedure best suited to your condition. Wherever possible, Dr. Melikian offers minimally invasive surgery options to address your concerns. A minimally invasive approach reduces treatment and recovery time compared to an open surgery. Here are some of the approaches Dr. Melikian might suggest:

  • Lumbar microdecompression: Decompression relieves pressure on nerves in the lower back by removing extra bone material around the lumbar vertebrae, the lower part of your spine.
  • Cervical laminoplasty: This procedure widens the spinal canal around the neck by introducing plates or a similar device to relieve pressure and reduce pain.
  • Artificial disc replacement: Disc replacement involves removing damaged spinal discs and replacing them with a prosthetic to maintain or restore mobility.

Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Spinal Stenosis Treatment

Dr. Melikian has studied at the world’s top universities, including Harvard and Emory University, and has dedicated years of his life to studying the field of spinal surgery. His practice specializes in individualized spinal treatments that address pain and immobility.

Rojeh Melikian, M.D., is known for expert spine care in California, and has offices in Marina del Rey, Newport Beach and Los Angeles. Call (949) 775-1848 or schedule a consultation online to discuss unique non-surgical and surgical treatment options that best fit your needs.