Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Oklahoma City
Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the open spaces in the lower spine become narrowed, putting pressure on the nerves that travel into your legs. Dr. Jeffrey A. Moore offers conservative and surgical options to relieve leg pain, numbness, and walking difficulty caused by stenosis.
- Leg pain & heaviness
- Numbness when walking
- Neurogenic claudication
- Lumbar stenosis
- Nerve compression
Stenosis often progresses slowly over time. Early evaluation can help prevent long-term nerve problems.
What Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Lumbar stenosis occurs when arthritis, disc degeneration, thickened ligaments, or bone spurs narrow the space around nerves in the lower spine. This pressure often causes:
- Leg pain or burning when standing or walking
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
- Weakness or heaviness in the legs
- Pain relief when bending forward or sitting
People often describe it as “walking pain” — the longer you walk, the worse the discomfort becomes.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Many people with lumbar stenosis can manage symptoms with a personalized non-surgical plan. Dr. Moore may recommend:
- Physical therapy to improve posture, mobility, and core strength
- Activity modification & ergonomic adjustments
- Anti-inflammatory medications when appropriate
- Epidural steroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation
- Nerve root blocks to pinpoint the affected nerve
If walking tolerance improves and leg symptoms decrease, surgery may not be needed.
Surgical Treatment Options
If non-surgical care does not relieve leg pain or you experience progressive weakness, surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
Removes bone spurs and thickened ligament to widen the spinal canal.
Removes the “roof” of the spinal canal to relieve central stenosis.
Opens the nerve exit (foramen) to treat radiating leg pain.
Uses smaller incisions and tubular retractors for quicker recovery.
Used when stenosis is caused by spinal instability or slippage (spondylolisthesis).
Advanced navigation tools help guide precise decompression and instrumentation.
When Should I See a Spine Surgeon?
- Pain or numbness when walking
- Weakness or heaviness in the legs
- Less ability to stand or walk over time
- Symptoms not improving with conservative treatment
Even if you’re unsure about surgery, a consultation can help clarify the true cause of your symptoms and your best next steps.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
If lumbar stenosis is limiting your life, Dr. Moore can help you understand what’s causing your symptoms and which treatments will give you the best chance at lasting relief.