Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Persistent pain, numbness, or difficulty walking can make even short distances feel exhausting. When these symptoms don't improve with rest or over-the-counter medication, spinal stenosis may be the underlying cause. This condition narrows the spaces within your spine, placing pressure on the nerves that control sensation and movement in your legs, back, and neck.
At NeuroSpine Plus in Paramus, NJ, we evaluate each patient's condition thoroughly before recommending a treatment path. With more than 20 years of experience and over 8,000 successful surgeries, Dr. Edward Scheid and our team are committed to delivering precise, minimally invasive care that addresses the root cause of your symptoms.
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal or the openings where nerves exit the spine become abnormally narrow, compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. This narrowing most commonly develops in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions of the spine. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, the condition frequently results from age-related changes, including the thickening of ligaments, bone spur formation, and degenerative disc disease. You can learn more about this condition on our spinal stenosis overview page.
While mild cases may produce no noticeable symptoms, moderate to severe stenosis can lead to chronic pain, weakness, and progressive loss of function. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further nerve damage and preserve your quality of life.
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.
Types of Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar stenosis affects the lower back and is the most common form of the condition. It develops when the spinal canal in the lumbar region narrows due to bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or bulging discs. Symptoms typically include pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs and buttocks that worsens with standing or walking and improves when sitting or leaning forward. This pattern is called neurogenic claudication and distinguishes spinal stenosis from vascular conditions that produce similar leg discomfort.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical stenosis occurs in the neck and can compress the spinal cord itself, a more serious situation than lumbar stenosis. Symptoms may include neck pain, numbness or tingling in the hands and arms, difficulty with balance and coordination, and in severe cases, myelopathy. Because cervical stenosis can affect the spinal cord directly, timely evaluation is critical to prevent irreversible nerve damage.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
Most cases of spinal stenosis result from degenerative changes that develop gradually over time. Contributing factors include bone spur growth, disc herniation or bulging, ligament thickening, spondylolisthesis, facet joint arthritis, and prior spinal injuries. The condition is most prevalent in adults over 50, though younger patients with congenital narrowing or previous spinal trauma can also be affected.
How We Treat Spinal Stenosis in Paramus
At NeuroSpine Plus, we do not recommend surgery unless it is the most appropriate option for a patient's specific condition. Dr. Scheid evaluates each case individually, beginning with a thorough review of imaging, symptoms, and medical history. Surgery is typically considered when symptoms are severe, progressive, or have not responded to conservative care over a reasonable period.
The most common surgical treatment for spinal stenosis is laminectomy, which removes part of the vertebral arch to widen the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the compressed nerves. Other options include decompression surgery, lumbar fusion for cases involving spinal instability, and ACDF for cervical stenosis with disc herniation.
Whenever clinically appropriate, we perform these procedures through minimally invasive techniques. These approaches use smaller incisions, specialized retractors, and advanced imaging guidance to achieve decompression with less disruption to the surrounding muscles and soft tissue. The result for most patients is reduced post-operative discomfort, less blood loss, and a faster return to daily routines compared to traditional open surgery.
The specific surgical approach depends on the location and severity of the stenosis, whether instability is present, and the patient's overall health. Dr. Scheid determines the most appropriate technique for each individual case, always with the goal of achieving meaningful, long-lasting symptom relief while minimizing surgical impact.
Recovery After Spinal Stenosis Surgery
The recovery timeline following spinal stenosis surgery depends on the procedure performed, the number of spinal levels treated, and your overall health. Patients who undergo a minimally invasive laminectomy often return to light activities within 2 to 3 weeks, while procedures that include spinal fusion may require a longer healing period of 3 to 6 months. Dr. Scheid provides individualized post-operative guidance and monitors your progress closely at each follow-up visit.
Walking is typically encouraged within the first few days after surgery, and activity levels are gradually increased as healing progresses. Our team is available between appointments to answer questions and address any concerns that arise during recovery.
For patients in northern New Jersey, our Paramus office on West Century Road provides convenient access to experienced spine care. Dr. Scheid and our team work with each patient from the initial consultation through post-operative recovery, ensuring you understand your diagnosis, your options, and what to expect at every stage.
If spinal stenosis is affecting your ability to stay active and conservative treatment has not provided lasting improvement, we are here to help. To schedule a consultation at our Paramus office, visit our contact page. We are located at 37 West Century Road, Suite 104, Paramus, NJ 07652, and with six convenient New Jersey locations, quality spine care is always within reach.
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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.