ABOUT DR. CRANE
BENJAMIN CRANE, MD
Dr. Crane is a Fellowship-Trained, Board Certified orthopedic spine surgeon with over ten years in practice in the St. Louis area. Dr. Crane runs a practice of high integrity, focusing on each individual patient's plan back to health. He is committed to making sure each person is able to get back to doing the things they love.
EDUCATION
Fellowship:
Spine Surgery, Leatherman Spine Center
Residency:
Rush University, Medical Center
Internship:
Rush University Medical Center
Medical School:
Rush Medical College
Fax
833.418.1951
LUMBAR STENOSIS
What is it?
The spinal column contains open spaces that create passageways for the spinal cord and the spinal nerves. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of (or an intrusion into) these openings. This can cause a compression of the nerves. Spinal stenosis most commonly affects the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine.
Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the location and severity of the problem. Spinal stenosis can cause pain, weakness, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs. Spinal stenosis in the lower back commonly causes sciatica, a sensation of burning pain that can travel through the buttocks and down the legs. Spinal stenosis can also cause problems with control of the bladder and bowels.
Causes
Stenosis is commonly caused by an excess growth of bone around the spinal nerves. This excess bone growth often results from osteoarthritis. Stenosis can also result from a dislocation or a fracture of the vertebral bone. Stenosis can be caused by soft tissue intruding into the spine's open spaces. Herniated discs, tumors, and thickened spinal ligaments can press against the spinal nerves. And in some cases, a person is born with a small spinal canal that does not provide enough room for the spinal nerves.
Potential Treatments
Treatment options for spinal stenosis may include anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants and medications to relieve pain. Steroid injections may be beneficial. A physician may also recommend physical therapy. If these methods are not effective, surgery may be needed to eliminate pressure on the nerves.