Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces between your spine which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine due to a narrowing of your vertebrae. It’s most common to occur throughout the lower back. This condition is much more likely to occur as you get older, which can create long-lasting problems such as arthritis. Treatments vary from person to person depending on severity. At the New York Spine Institute, we make sure to treat your spine, neck or back issue based upon your unique situation.*
Specialized care is given to you as directed by our doctors who treat back and neck problems. It may incorporate moderate physical therapy, pain control, or surgery if needed.
Industry Leaders
At NYSI, the spine doctors have decades of experience treating complex spine disorders and are industry leaders. Our institution is lead by our medical director, Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D. FAAOS.
Multiple Languages
We understand that people from all different backgrounds will need treatment for their spinal issues. Our staff speaks a multitude of languages including Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, and Russian.
Understanding the Causes Of Your Spinal Stenosis
For some, spinal stenosis does not show any symptoms. But, for others, you may experience pain, tingling, numbness or muscle weakness. Often, symptoms can worsen over time. Other symptoms that you may have include:*
“Foot drop” (when your foot feels like it slaps the ground when walking).
This type of spinal stenosis you may have is determined by where it occurs on the spine. It’s also possible to have more than one type of this condition, but the main types are:
Lumbar stenosis: The most common form of spinal stenosis, where the narrowing occurs in the part of the spine in your lower back.
Cervical stenosis: In which the part of the spine in your neck narrows.
To make an accurate diagnosis, you will first be asked about your ongoing symptoms. Your doctor may discuss with you when you first felt pain, where it’s located, and what type of numbness or weakness you may be experiencing. From there, a physical examination will occur to further access the source of your pain, and your physician will specifically look for any restricted movement in the spine or neck.*
If you are suspected for having Spinal Stenosis, you can be referred for a series of imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis. This can be a simple X-ray, but also other screening services such as MRIs and CT Scans may also be used.*
What Our Patients Have To Say Real Patient Testimonials
Dr. Roberts is the BEST and that’s my personal opinion. He is very hands on, compassion and understanding. I highly recommend his services.
—Anna Thomas
I worked with Dr. Macagnau and he was amazing! Extremely friendly and funny to match his knowledge and guidance with my injury. The rest of the staff was no different, I would high...
I worked with Dr. Macagnau and he was amazing! Extremely friendly and funny to match his knowledge and guidance with my injury. The rest of the staff was no different, I would highly recommend them to anyone with back issues.
—Juan Rolon
“If I can help one person and say you’ll make it through this, go to them, they will help you. I would help you to let you see what it is like on the other side of the fence when s...
“If I can help one person and say you’ll make it through this, go to them, they will help you. I would help you to let you see what it is like on the other side of the fence when someone goes through so much injury and trauma and then in turn, feels like I do. If you can just meet one doctor, please meet Dr. de Moura.”
—Annette
“I was having severe chronic back pain daily. This went on for almost fifteen years. As soon as I met Dr. Macagno I said, “that’s the guy.” I eventually had a spinal fusion L4/5 an...
“I was having severe chronic back pain daily. This went on for almost fifteen years. As soon as I met Dr. Macagno I said, “that’s the guy.” I eventually had a spinal fusion L4/5 and S1. This was a ten-hour procedure. I exceeded both Dr. Macagno and the hospital staff expectations. Instead of walking a few steps, I easily walked the full length of the hospital halls and climbed stairs almost immediately after surgery. I am so happy to have met Dr. Macagno. I sing his praises every day and I always post on social media about how amazing I am doing every year on the anniversary of my surgery.”
—Gregg
“My reason for writing to you is to express my appreciation for the concern and encouragement you gave me following my surgery. Your visits to me early in the morning and your care...
“My reason for writing to you is to express my appreciation for the concern and encouragement you gave me following my surgery. Your visits to me early in the morning and your careful supervision of my recovery were a strong indication of the genuine concern you have for me. During my later years, I’ve had numerous associations with doctors and a variety of experiences. I can honestly say that I could not have received better treatment than I received from you.”
—L.B.
“Please accept my sincere gratitude for helping me overcome a very serious back problem that I’d had for many years. You were highly recommended to me, and you certainly lived up t...
“Please accept my sincere gratitude for helping me overcome a very serious back problem that I’d had for many years. You were highly recommended to me, and you certainly lived up to your reputation. My friend was right: You’re very good at what you do. Thanks again, and although you’re a very nice man, I hope never to have to see you again.”
—J.B.
“I want to thank you from my heart for all you’ve done for me at such a difficult time in my life. You gave me your time and your confident recommendation, and you even offered to ...
“I want to thank you from my heart for all you’ve done for me at such a difficult time in my life. You gave me your time and your confident recommendation, and you even offered to be at my side if and when surgery becomes necessary. You are a fine physician giving to those in need.”
—K.F.
“Dr. Macagno is the Best doctor! Professional and compassionate. Honest and knowledgeable. Worth every star and about 10 more!!!”
—M.C.
“Dr. Alexandre de Moura and New York Spine Institute are absolutely wonderful! I have personally seen the level of personal care and dedication when one of my seriously injured cli...
“Dr. Alexandre de Moura and New York Spine Institute are absolutely wonderful! I have personally seen the level of personal care and dedication when one of my seriously injured clients was treated there (I am a personal injury attorney). He had a terrific recovery and I credit Dr. de Moura and his staff with that.”
—A.Z.
Dr.v is a great doctor !!! From day one he has accessed and managed my pain while acknowledging me not only as his patient but as a person as well. Every Dr office should have a...
Dr.v is a great doctor !!! From day one he has accessed and managed my pain while acknowledging me not only as his patient but as a person as well. Every Dr office should have a Dr. V and the world for patients with pain would be a much better place. I haven’t had a Dr this great since Dr de Mourra who did my surgery In 2013. Thank you Dr de Mourra for referring me to a pain management dr who really cares for my needs as his patient. It has been a tough road . I can now honestly say the road I travel now as a pain patient is much smoother and manageable. Thank you Dr v and NYU.
There are a number of different ways to treat your spinal stenosis. For a more conservative approach, physical therapy exercises like back stretching can help you build your strength back to normal so you experience less pain throughout the day. You may also be able to treat it with with pain relievers (over-the-counter or prescribed), given steroid injections, or a decompression procedure to remove a portion of a thickened ligament from your back.*
If more severe, however, you may require surgery to treat your spinal stenosis. One of the possible surgeries you may get is laminectomy. A Laminectomy is when one or more vertebrae is removed to relieve pressure from the spine. You may also need a spinal fusion, where the surgeon may “weld” together two weak vertebrae so they may work as one strong bone. Your treatment options will be determined by your spine specialist after a full physical exam and diagnosis has occurred.*
*The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment will vary by patient and condition. New York Spine Institute does not guarantee certain results.
Need a Consultation for Your Spinal Stenosis?
We have offices located throughout Greater New York City, Long Island, White Plains and Newburgh, NY. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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