Spinal Stenosis Treatment in NJ | Dr. Kris Radcliff

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Spinal Stenosis Treatment

Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal that squeezes the nerves. In the low back, it often causes leg pain, heaviness, or numbness when you walk or stand that gets better when you sit or lean forward.

Dr. Kris Radcliff is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurological Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University, and part of Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics. He has performed thousands of spine surgeries and specializes in endoscopic spine surgery, artificial disc replacement, and other alternatives to fusion.

What causes spinal stenosis?

Usually age-related wear: bulging discs, thickened ligaments, arthritis of the small joints, and bone spurs gradually narrow the space for the nerves. A slipped vertebra (spondylolisthesis) can add to it.

What are the symptoms?

Pain, cramping, heaviness, or numbness in the buttocks and legs when walking or standing, relieved by sitting or bending forward, such as leaning on a shopping cart. Some people also have back pain.

Can stenosis be treated without surgery?

Yes. Physical therapy, activity changes, medications, and epidural injections help many people, at least for a while.

When is surgery considered?

When walking and standing tolerance keeps shrinking, symptoms limit daily life despite treatment, or there is weakness. The goal of surgery is to give the nerves more room.

Do I need a fusion for stenosis?

Not always. If the spine is stable, removing what is pressing on the nerves is often enough. For some patients with a mild slip, TOPS facet replacement is an option that keeps motion. Fusion is reserved for unstable spines or significant deformity.

How Dr. Radcliff can help

Go to the emergency room if you have new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening weakness in your arms or legs.

Schedule a consultation or second opinion

Call 609-800-3472. Dr. Radcliff sees patients in Somers Point, Cherry Hill, and Brick, New Jersey, as part of Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics.

Already have an MRI? Send it to us online before your visit. Fax: 609-842-4040.

Dr. Radcliff accepts most commercial insurance plans and is out of network with most of them. Many Pennsylvania and New Jersey plans have out-of-network benefits, and we can help review your benefits and explain them. Don’t worry. We are all about helping the patients.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Your treatment should be based on an evaluation by your own physician.