Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Back pain that steadily worsens over months, leg weakness that makes walking feel unsafe, or numbness that spreads into the feet can all point to a condition that goes beyond typical muscle strain. Spinal stenosis develops when the canal housing your spinal cord and nerves becomes too narrow, compressing the structures responsible for movement and sensation throughout your body.
At NeuroSpine Plus in North Bergen, NJ, we take a thorough, patient-centered approach to diagnosing and treating spinal stenosis. Dr. Edward Scheid has performed over 8,000 successful surgeries across more than 20 years of practice, and our team prioritizes minimally invasive surgical techniques that reduce recovery time and help patients return to the activities that matter most to them.
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces within the spine that places pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that travel through it. The condition occurs most frequently in the lumbar spine (lower back) and the cervical spine (neck). According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, spinal stenosis is primarily caused by degenerative changes related to aging, including thickened ligaments, bone spur formation, and disc deterioration. For a complete overview of this condition, visit our spinal stenosis page.
Many patients with mild stenosis find relief through conservative measures such as activity modification, medication, and physical rehabilitation. When symptoms are severe or continue to progress despite non-surgical treatment, a surgical evaluation can help determine the best path forward.
If any of these symptoms have developed gradually and are now interfering with your daily routine, it may be time for a comprehensive spinal evaluation.
Types of Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
The lumbar spine is the most common site for stenosis. When the spinal canal narrows in the lower back, the nerves that supply the legs and feet become compressed. Patients often describe a heavy, tired feeling in the legs during walking or standing that improves with sitting or bending forward. This pattern, called neurogenic claudication, is a hallmark of lumbar stenosis and distinguishes it from circulatory conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical stenosis develops in the neck and can compress the spinal cord directly, making it a more clinically urgent form of the condition. Symptoms may include hand numbness or clumsiness, difficulty with coordination and balance, neck stiffness, and in advanced cases, myelopathy. Because cervical spinal cord compression can cause irreversible damage if left untreated, prompt evaluation is essential when these symptoms appear.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
The majority of spinal stenosis cases are degenerative, resulting from age-related wear on the spine's structures. Common contributing factors include bone spur formation, disc herniation or bulging, thickening of the spinal ligaments, spondylolisthesis, and facet joint arthritis. While most commonly diagnosed in adults over 50, spinal stenosis can also affect younger patients who have a congenitally narrow spinal canal or a history of spinal trauma.
Common Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
- Pain in the lower back or neck that has gradually worsened over months
- Leg heaviness, cramping, or weakness during activity
- Leg heaviness, cramping, or weakness during activity
- Difficulty walking longer distances without needing to stop and rest
- Balance or coordination problems, particularly in the legs
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, particularly if they have worsened over weeks or months, a thorough evaluation can help determine whether spinal stenosis is the underlying cause.
How We Treat Spinal Stenosis in North Bergen
Every treatment plan at NeuroSpine Plus begins with a detailed clinical evaluation. Dr. Scheid reviews your imaging studies, examines your symptom history, and assesses your functional limitations before discussing whether conservative management or surgical intervention is the most appropriate course of action.
When surgery is warranted, the most commonly performed procedure for spinal stenosis is laminectomy, which removes a portion of the vertebral arch to create more space in the spinal canal and relieve nerve compression. Depending on the clinical picture, other surgical options may include decompression surgery, lumbar fusion for patients with concurrent spinal instability, or ACDF for cervical stenosis accompanied by disc herniation.
We perform these procedures through minimally invasive techniques whenever the patient's anatomy and condition allow. Minimally invasive approaches use smaller incisions and specialized instruments to achieve the same decompression goals with less muscle disruption, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
The choice of surgical technique is guided by where the stenosis is located, how many spinal levels are involved, whether instability is present, and the patient's overall health. Dr. Scheid tailors each plan to the individual, with the goal of delivering lasting symptom relief while keeping the surgical footprint as small as possible.
Recovery After Spinal Stenosis Surgery
How quickly you recover from spinal stenosis surgery depends on the procedure performed, the number of spinal levels addressed, and your general health. Patients who undergo minimally invasive decompression typically resume light daily activities within 2 to 3 weeks. For procedures that include spinal fusion, the healing timeline extends to 3 to 6 months as the bone graft integrates and the fused segment stabilizes.
Most patients are encouraged to begin walking within the first few days after surgery, with activity levels gradually increasing under Dr. Scheid's guidance. Our team remains available throughout the recovery period to answer questions, adjust activity recommendations, and ensure healing stays on track.
Our North Bergen office on John F. Kennedy Boulevard serves patients throughout Hudson County and the surrounding communities. Dr. Scheid and our team are here from your initial consultation through every follow-up visit, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your condition, your treatment options, and what to expect during recovery.
If spinal stenosis is limiting your ability to walk, stand, or stay active and conservative treatment has not provided adequate relief, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Our North Bergen office is located at 6307 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Bergen, NJ 07047, and with six convenient New Jersey locations, quality spine care is always accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a progressive condition in most cases. The structural changes causing the narrowing, such as bone spurs and thickened ligaments, tend to worsen gradually over time. While not every patient will experience a significant decline, untreated stenosis can lead to increasing pain, reduced walking distance, and in severe cases, permanent nerve damage.
Patients who undergo minimally invasive decompression typically return to light daily activities within 2 to 3 weeks. Procedures that include spinal fusion require a longer healing period of 3 to 6 months for the bone to fully integrate. Dr. Scheid provides individualized recovery guidance based on the specific procedure performed.
NeuroSpine Plus works with most major commercial insurance plans. For specific coverage questions or to verify your plan before your visit, please contact our office or visit our insurance and financing page.
Schedule Your Consultation in North Bergen
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
Last updated: June 3, 2026The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across six convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical expertise in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice.