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Decoding Spinal Stenosis and Spondylosis
When patients receive their MRI or CT scan reports, they often encounter complex medical terminology that can cause confusion and anxiety. Terms like “spinal stenosis” and “spinal spondylosis” appear frequently, but what do they actually mean for your health and well-being?
Breaking Down the Medical Jargon
Spinal Stenosis: refers to the narrowing of spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through it. This narrowing typically occurs in the lower back (lumbar stenosis) or neck (cervical stenosis). Think of your spinal canal as a tunnel – stenosis is when that tunnel becomes constricted, potentially causing pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in your extremities.
Spinal Spondylosis: is essentially the medical term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks. As we age, these disks gradually deteriorate, losing hydration and elasticity. This natural process can lead to bone spurs (osteophytes), stiffened ligaments, and decreased disk height. It’s similar to how a car’s shock absorbers might wear down over time, affecting the overall function and comfort of the vehicle.
Both conditions are extremely common as we age, and their presence on an imaging report doesn’t always correlate with symptoms. Many people with significant stenosis or spondylosis on imaging remain pain-free, while others with minor changes may experience considerable discomfort.
When Pain Persists:
The Role of Interventional Pain Physicians
When conservative approaches like physical therapy, chiropractic care, or over-the-counter medications fail to provide adequate relief, interventional pain physicians offer specialized expertise.
Interventional pain medicine is a medical subspecialty focused on diagnosing and treating pain through minimally invasive techniques. These physicians complete a three to five years of residency training, and then additional fellowship training specifically in pain management.
What sets interventional pain physicians apart is their comprehensive approach to addressing all types of pain:
. Nerve pain (neuropathic) caused by damaged or irritated nerves
. Bone and joint pain (osteoarthritis, fractures)
. Muscular pain (spasms, strains)
. Acute pain (recent injury or surgery)
. Chronic pain (persistent beyond normal healing time)
These specialists employ a wide range of techniques beyond medication management, including:
. Precise diagnostic injections to identify pain sources
. Therapeutic nerve blocks to provide targeted relief
. Radiofrequency ablation to disrupt pain signals
. Spinal cord stimulation for persistent nerve pain
. Regenerative medicine approaches like platelet-rich plasma therapy
The goal of interventional pain medicine is not just symptom management but improving function and quality of life. By precisely targeting the source of pain, these specialists can often provide relief while minimizing medication side effects and avoiding more invasive surgical procedures.
At The Interventional Pain Institute, each patient’s pain is thoroughly evaluated and a customized treatment plan is developed. Dr. Compton and his team are dedicated to treating every patient with the utmost respect and care, with a mission to help patients regain functionality and improve their quality of life.
With offices conveniently located in The Villages and Ocala, Florida, The Interventional Pain Institute is an excellent choice for those suffering from chronic or acute pain. Under the care of Dr. Brent Compton, patients can find not just relief, but also a renewed sense of hope for a pain-free future. Experience the difference at The Interventional Pain Institute today.
352-350-6500 | www.IPIMED.com
11974 CR 101, Ste 102, The Villages, FL 32162
1715 SE 28th Loop, Ocala FL
