Persistent Back Pain? Spinal Stenosis May Be The Cause

Back pain is a common concern for many in Phoenix, AZ. But if it persists and begins to limit your mobility or quality of life, the underlying issue might be spinal stenosis, not just routine strain or poor posture.

Spinal stenosis, typically affecting adults over 50, is the narrowing of spaces in the spine, which may place pressure on the nerves and cause discomfort radiating into the arms or legs. Unlike general back pain, spinal stenosis may worsen over time and is more likely to interfere with walking, standing, or daily function.

At Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center – Phoenix, we specialize in comprehensive, non-surgical approaches that may help relieve spinal stenosis symptoms. Treatment plans may include Regenexx® advanced biologic procedures, physical therapy, and interventional pain solutions tailored to your specific condition.

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the open spaces within your spine narrow, which may compress nearby nerves. The spinal canal — the central passage that houses your spinal cord — is designed to offer plenty of room for movement and nerve signaling. But when degenerative or structural changes occur, that space may shrink, impacting nerve function and leading to pain or other symptoms.

Stages Of Spinal Stenosis

Understanding how spinal stenosis progresses is key to managing it effectively. At our Phoenix clinic, we assess the stage of your condition to create a personalized care plan.eatment plan while assisting patients to understand how their condition may progress. 

Below are the three primary stages of spinal stenosis:

Grade 1 (Mild)

• Occasional stiffness or discomfort in the back
• No significant nerve compression
• Symptoms may be infrequent

Grade 2 (Moderate)

• Chronic back pain, numbness, or tingling
• Weakness in the limbs may appear
• Daily activities such as standing or walking may be affected

Grade 3 (Severe)

• Significant narrowing of the spinal canal
• Chronic, often debilitating pain
• Trouble with balance, walking, or coordination

Common Causes And Risk Factors Of Spinal Canal Narrowing

Our team in Phoenix has found several common causes and risk factors that may increase your likelihood of developing spinal stenosis:

Genetics

Genetics may significantly influence the development of spinal canal narrowing. Some individuals are born with a narrow spinal canal, which might remain asymptomatic initially but could increase the risk of spinal stenosis over time. A family history of structural spinal abnormalities, such as scoliosis or other congenital conditions, may also contribute to the likelihood of developing this condition.

Lifestyle-Related Factors

Lifestyle choices and occupational habits may play a role in the risk of spinal stenosis. Activities involving repetitive motion, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting or standing can strain the spine. Over time, poor posture or a lack of regular physical activity may contribute to the degeneration of spinal structures and potentially lead to spinal canal narrowing.

Thick Ligaments

Spinal ligaments, such as the ligamentum flavum, are crucial for stabilizing the spinal column. However, these ligaments may thicken and lose elasticity with age or chronic stress. Thickened ligaments can encroach on the spinal canal, which may contribute to narrowing and increase pressure on the surrounding nerves.

Spinal Injuries

Traumatic events, such as falls, sports injuries, or car accidents, can cause immediate damage to the spine, including fractures or dislocations of vertebrae. These injuries may result in spinal instability and alterations in the alignment or structure of the spinal canal, leading to narrowing either immediately or as part of the long-term healing process.

Tumors

Abnormal growths, whether benign or malignant, may develop within or near the spinal canal and contribute to narrowing. These tumors can compress the spinal cord and nerves, reducing the space available within the canal. Although tumors are a less common cause of spinal stenosis, their potential impact on spinal health highlights the importance of early detection.

Arthritis

Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, is often associated with spinal canal narrowing. Osteoarthritis leads to cartilage breakdown and the development of bone spurs, which may encroach on the spinal canal. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, causes inflammation and structural changes in the spine, which may contribute to canal narrowing and an increased likelihood of nerve compression.

Other Spine Conditions

Spinal canal narrowing may also result from various spine-related conditions that impact the structure and stability of the spine, which could contribute to the development or worsening of spinal stenosis. Below are some common spine conditions that may be associated with spinal canal narrowing:

• Scoliosis: A sideways spinal curvature may misalign vertebrae, creating uneven pressure and potentially contributing to canal narrowing.
• Bulging Disc: When a spinal disc extends beyond its normal boundaries, it can encroach on the spinal canal, which may reduce space and potentially irritate nearby nerves.
• Herniated Disc: A herniated disc is a more advanced form of disc injury in which the inner material leaks through a tear, which may cause significant nerve or spinal cord compression.
• Spondylolysis: A stress fracture or crack in a vertebra, often in the lower back, may weaken spinal stability and potentially contribute to narrowing over time.

Recognizing Spinal Stenosis Symptoms In Phoenix

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, our Phoenix-based team encourages early evaluation to help avoid progression:

Radiating Pain And Numbness

• Pain that starts in the back and travels to the legs
• Tingling or weakness in lower extremities
• Often worsens with walking or prolonged standing

Standing Intolerance

• Increased discomfort when upright
• Relief when sitting or leaning forward
• May limit mobility on hiking trails, errands, or during exercise

Muscle Cramps

• Involuntary tightening, especially in the legs or lower back
• May disrupt sleep or activities like walking the dog or attending local events
• Low back pain is caused by muscle strain, disc issues, or spinal degeneration. Read More About Low Back Pain.
• Back pain when rising from a seated position may be due to muscle stiffness, joint degeneration, or spinal issues. Read More About Back Pain When Getting Up From A Chair.

When To Seek Medical Attention

Certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. If you notice any of the following, visit our Phoenix clinic for evaluation:

• Worsening symptoms: Increasing pain, numbness, or weakness, particularly during walking or standing, may suggest escalating nerve compression.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control: Difficulty managing bladder or bowel function could be a sign of severe nerve involvement, which may require emergency care.

Evaluating Spine Health Concerns

Physicians of the licensed Regenexx network focus on identifying the root causes of pain through a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether the Regenexx approach may be appropriate.

During the initial appointment, a physician in the licensed Regenexx network conducts the four-part SANS evaluation—stability, articulation, neuromuscular function, and symmetry—to assess the underlying causes of discomfort. This detailed assessment involves examining the affected area through a full range of motion and may include ultrasound imaging to observe the spine’s structures in real-time.This is crucial because research suggests an MRI showing stenosis alone may not reliably confirm it as the source of back pain. Watch a physician in the licensed Regenexx network perform a real intradiscal regenerative procedure:

The goal is to identify the least invasive and most appropriate procedure to support improved function. The physician will determine whether a platelet-based procedure or a bone marrow concentrate (BMC) procedure may be an option based on individual needs.

How Is Spinal Stenosis Commonly Treated?

Conservative treatments for spinal stenosis typically aim to reduce inflammation around irritated or compressed spinal nerves.

• Non-Steroidal and Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are commonly used to reduce inflammation and manage pain related to joint, muscle, or spine conditions, helping improve function. While they provide quick relief, NSAIDs do not treat the underlying issue causing the pain. Long-term use may lead to serious side effects, including heart and kidney issues. Read More About Non-Steroidal and Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
• Steroid Injections: Steroid injections reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief for joint, muscle, and spine conditions. While they may help manage symptoms, repeated use can contribute to tissue damage, joint degeneration, and systemic side effects, requiring careful consideration. Read More About Steroid Injections.

While steroid injections may provide temporary pain relief, they are associated with potential risks, including severe side effects that could impact the body’s ability to heal.

When conservative options do not provide sufficient relief, surgical intervention is sometimes pursued to decompress the affected area. This often involves removing portions of bone, disc, or ligaments to relieve pressure in the spinal canal.

In some cases, spinal fusion surgery is performed, where hardware is used to stabilize the spine by fusing adjacent vertebrae. However, this procedure has been linked to adjacent segment disease (ASD), where the areas above and below the fusion may experience added stress and potential changes over time.

Surgical treatments, including spinal fusion, typically require significant recovery time.Spinal Fusion: Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that connects two or more vertebrae to support spinal stability. It is commonly performed for conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, or scoliosis. Read More About Spinal Fusion.

Discover Regenerative Relief For Spine Health Without Surgery

Spinal stenosis does not have to mean chronic discomfort or invasive surgery. At Active Life, procedures using Regenexx injectates provide a regenerative, research-backed approach to spine care that may help improve function, reduce pain, and support long-term spine health.

These non-surgical procedures, customized by a physician in the licensed Regenexx network, may include PRP or BMC injections designed to work with your body’s natural healing processes. If you’re exploring a less invasive way to manage spinal stenosis, schedule a consultation with Active Life to learn if a Regenexx procedure is right for you.

Webinar: Treating Back Pain Without Surgery

Join Chris Centeno, MD, founder of Regenexx, to learn how Regenexx procedures can help treat your back pain without surgery and lead to a faster recovery.

During this free webinar you’ll learn:

• How procedures using bone marrow concentrate (BMC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compare to surgery and other spine pain treatment options
• Procedure expectations
• Answers to the most common questions about regenerative medicine treatments