Spinal Stenosis (Cervical, Lumbar or Thoracic)

Orange County Spine Surgery Specialists

Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal. It can occur in any region of the spine, including the lumbar (low back) and cervical spine (neck). As the normal wear-and-tear of aging causes the spine to change over time, spinal stenosis most often affects adults over the age of 50. Arthritis, or the degeneration of joints in the body (degenerative disc disease), is the most common cause of spinal stenosis. When degenerative changes cause severe narrowing, it can create pressure on the spinal nerve roots and the spinal cord.

Narrowing of the spine and nerve compression can lead to a number of symptoms, including:

Radiating pain, including pain that extends to the buttocks and legs as well as the arms
Tingling or numbness
Numbness or weakness in the legs or upper arms

Whether spinal stenosis develops as a person ages, or results from a congenital disorders that lead to narrowing of the spinal canal, the condition can cause chronic pain and greatly reduce one’s ability to enjoy physical activities, handle daily tasks, or even walk, sit, and stand without pain.

At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our goal is to help our patients overcome these challenges so they can resume active and independent lives. To achieve this, we pool the collective abilities of our spine specialists and medical professionals and provide care in an orthopedic-only facility equipped with the latest tools and technology.

Diagnosing and Treating Spinal Stenosis

Diagnosing spinal stenosis is essential to targeted and effective treatment, which is why our Board Certified physicians conduct personalized evaluations to discuss your medical history and symptoms, and perform diagnostic tests, which may include X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, among others.

Once spinal stenosis has been identified, your treatment options will vary depending on its severity. In some cases, patients may find some relief from nonsurgical approaches, including medication and physical therapy. However, if conservative care does not improve narrowing of the spinal canal, and in cases where the condition continues to cause pain and create limitations for patients, surgery may be considered.

Our spine surgeons specialize in treating spinal stenosis using advanced techniques, including minimally invasive surgery. While treatment will always vary from patient to patient, surgery for spinal stenosis may involve:

Laminectomy – Also called decompression, laminectomy involves the removal of bone spurs, bones, and ligaments that compress nerve roots and cause pain. Depending on the individual patient and their condition, a laminectomy may be performed as a minimally invasive spine surgery, which consists of several small incisions, or as traditional open surgery.
Spinal fusion – When degeneration or arthritis has caused the spine to become unstable, decompression may also be performed with spinal fusion. This procedure joins two or more vertebrae in the back or neck, and may be performed using several methods.

In addition to performing surgical procedures, our multi-disciplinary professionals are also able to offer pain management, rehabilitation, and physical therapy to help patients as they progress through their recoveries.

Find a Spine Doctor

Schedule a Consultation with a Spine Specialist Today

Hoag Orthopedic Institute is a nationally ranked orthopedic hospital and performs the highest volume of orthopedic procedures in California. Our Board-Certified doctors are experts in treating conditions of the spine, including spinal and cervical stenosis, and providing the comprehensive care patients need to obtain exceptional outcomes. If you suffer from spinal stenosis, or are experiencing back or neck pain, we encourage you to schedule an evaluation with one of our spine experts. Find a spine doctor today by using our online physician directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your first visit to Hoag Orthopedic Institute is a chance for you and your spine specialist to get a complete picture of your current back health and goals for recovery. You’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained back doctor who will listen to your concerns, review any prior imaging or test results, and ask detailed questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. A detailed physical exam may follow to assess your range of motion, strength, and nerve function.
Your back specialist may recommend advanced imaging or additional diagnostic tests available onsite. Together, you’ll discuss what’s causing your pain or mobility limitations and review both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. You’ll leave with a clear and personalized plan designed for your specific needs—and a team ready to support you through each step of your care.
You can connect with one of our qualified spine specialists to review your symptoms, discuss any existing test results, and explore your back treatment options. To schedule your appointment, simply call our scheduling team at (949) 890-0464 or complete the secure request form on our website.
We’ll connect you with the right back doctor for your needs and can help arrange imaging or records before your visit. From the start, you’ll have access to advanced diagnostics and the latest treatments—including the latest techniques for minimally invasive procedures—tailored to your condition and goals.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our highly qualified physical therapists, back doctors, and spine surgeons work together to treat a broad range of spine conditions. These include addressing herniated discs, relieving spinal stenosis, and managing degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. Conservative treatments often include targeted physical therapy, image-guided injections to relieve nerve pain, or medications to reduce inflammation.
When surgery is your most effective option, our spine specialists perform procedures including spinal decompression to free compressed nerves, spinal fusion to stabilize the spine, and disc replacement to maintain mobility. Many operations are performed using minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques, which combine advanced imaging with precise instrument control to protect surrounding tissues and support a smoother recovery. Our back specialists devise a custom spine plan for each patient, designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help them return to active, pain-free living.
Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers expert care from fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, back doctors, and spine specialists who are leaders in their field. Our team also utilizes advanced techniques such as robotic-assisted spine surgery—providing greater surgical planning, accuracy, steadier instrument control, and less disruption to healthy structures for a smoother recovery.
Exceptional technology and an excellent surgical outcome form just part of your experience with our specialized back care. Your orthopedic spine doctor will focus on your total well-being, creating a personalized treatment plan—surgical or non-surgical—to help you move without pain and regain function. From diagnosis through recovery, we’re committed to getting you back to the lifestyle you love, free from the limitations of back pain or dysfunction.

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