Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the bony openings within the spine become narrowed, decreasing space for nerves, which can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. The symptoms can vary depending on the location of the stenosis and which nerves are affected. These symptoms often occur gradually and if left untreated they tend to worsen over time.
This condition can be caused by many different factors, including disc herniations, disc degeneration, facet joint arthritis and overgrowth, ligament instability and thickening, and spinal deformity.
There are many different ways to treat these symptoms and will depend on the location and severity of your spinal stenosis. Treatment often begins with physical therapy, manual manipulation such as osteopathic or chiropractic treatments, and over the counter pain medications. If these aren’t helpful, cortisone (steroid) injections can give short term relief. As the stenosis progresses, patients are often recommended surgery, which removes part of the bone, disc, and/or ligament that is putting pressure on the nerves. As a consequence of removing these structures, the spine can become unstable. If it becomes too unstable, a fusion may be performed, which involves putting rods and screws in your back to restrict movement of the loose areas. The restricted movement puts extra stress at the joints above and below the fusion, which often leads to additional problems at these areas, which could result in further surgery recommendations.
At Dr. Steve Derrington, we offer Regenexx procedures as an alternative treatment for spinal stenosis, which can eliminate the need for cortisone injections and surgery. Our patients are able to get back to their normal activities with longer lasting benefits and without the harmful side effects of steroid injections. In more advanced cases, these procedures can also be a viable surgical alternative. By treating the entire functional spinal unit, we are able to improve nerve function and spinal stability, resulting in decreased pain and improved function, with minimal downtime and without the risks of invasive surgery.
Three Steps From First Call to a Treatment Plan You Can Act On
Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility
Send us your imaging and tell us what is going on. We review your radiology at no cost and tell you honestly whether an image-guided, non-surgical approach is worth exploring for your condition.
Step 2 — Schedule Your Consultation
A full evaluation with advanced ultrasound and MRI review. Regenexx consultations average a full hour: complete history, hands-on examination, imaging review and a real diagnosis explained in plain language.
Step 3 — Start Your Healing Plan
If you are a candidate, your physician builds a personalized plan around your diagnosis: Regenexx bone marrow concentrate or platelet procedures, supported by therapies such as prolotherapy and MLS laser, with follow-up at six to eight weeks.
Other spine conditions we treat
The treatments behind these procedures
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01
Regenexx procedures — bone marrow concentrate and advanced platelet procedures, placed under image guidance.
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02
Platelet Rich Plasma — concentrated platelets from your own blood, for tendon and ligament damage and mild arthritis.
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03
Prolotherapy — for ligament laxity and joint instability.
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04
MLS Laser Therapy — non-invasive pain and inflammation control, often alongside the above.
Which one fits your case is decided at the evaluation, from your imaging and the tissue involved — not from a web page.
Find out whether we can treat your spinal stenosis
Send your imaging ahead
If you already have an MRI or X-ray, upload it before your visit and Dr. Derrington will review it in advance.
Two offices
Carlsbad and Laguna Hills, serving San Diego and Orange County.
Or call us directly at (760) 721-4000 - Carlsbad Office or (760) 721-4000 - Laguna Hills Office
Ready to Find Out If a Non-Surgical Approach Could Work for You?
Call us to schedule an in-office or telehealth appointment, or fill out the form and our team will reach out. We will ask about your condition, explain which options may apply, and tell you honestly whether an evaluation makes sense.
If we are not the right fit for your condition, we will tell you — and try to point you in the right direction.
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