Spinal Stenosis Treatment New Jersey

Spinal Stenosis Can Make Everyday Activities Feel Like a Challenge

If walking across a parking lot has become difficult, your legs feel heavy after standing for a few minutes, or you find yourself leaning over a shopping cart just to get relief, spinal stenosis may be the cause.

Unlike a sudden back injury, spinal stenosis usually develops gradually over time. Many people first notice they cannot walk as far as they used to without pain, numbness, or weakness in their legs. As the condition progresses, everyday activities such as shopping, traveling, or taking a walk around the neighborhood can become increasingly difficult.

The good news is that surgery is not the only option. For many patients, minimally invasive treatments can reduce pain, improve walking distance, and restore quality of life.

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Todd Koppel has helped patients throughout New Jersey manage spinal stenosis using advanced, image guided treatments that target the source of nerve compression. Every treatment plan is personalized based on the severity of your condition, your symptoms, and your goals.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms often develop slowly and become more noticeable over time.

You may experience:

• Lower back pain
• Pain that travels into the buttocks or legs
• Leg heaviness or fatigue while walking
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
• Weakness in the legs
• Difficulty standing for long periods
• Pain that improves when sitting or leaning forward
• Reduced walking distance

One of the most recognizable signs of lumbar spinal stenosis is finding relief by leaning forward over a shopping cart or countertop. This position temporarily creates more space around the compressed nerves.

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis simply means narrowing of the spinal canal.

The spinal canal is the space that protects the spinal cord and the nerves traveling down your back. As we age, normal wear and tear can gradually reduce the amount of space available for these nerves. When that happens, the nerves become irritated or compressed, leading to pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking.

Several changes can contribute to spinal stenosis, including:

• Bulging or degenerating discs
• Arthritis of the spine
• Bone spurs
• Thickening of spinal ligaments
• Enlarged facet joints

Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is essential before deciding on treatment.

Types of Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis affects the lower back and is the most common form of the condition.

Patients often describe aching, heaviness, cramping, or weakness in their legs that becomes worse with walking or standing. Sitting or bending forward usually provides relief because it temporarily reduces pressure on the spinal nerves.

This pattern of symptoms is known as neurogenic claudication and is one of the classic signs of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Cervical spinal stenosis occurs in the neck and can place pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Symptoms may include:

• Neck pain
• Pain traveling into the arms
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness in the hands
• Difficulty with balance
• Problems with coordination

Because cervical stenosis can become more serious over time, early evaluation is important.

How We Diagnose Spinal Stenosis

Successful treatment begins with understanding exactly why your nerves are being compressed.

During your consultation, Dr. Koppel will review your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and how spinal stenosis is affecting your daily activities.

Your evaluation may include:

• Physical examination
• Strength and reflex testing
• Evaluation of walking and balance
• Review of MRI or CT imaging
• Discussion of previous treatments

The goal is not simply to confirm spinal stenosis but to determine exactly which structures are causing your symptoms so treatment can be directed to the appropriate area.

Treatment Options

Every patient’s spinal stenosis is different. Dr. Koppel develops treatment plans based on the location of the narrowing, the severity of symptoms, and how much the condition is affecting your daily life.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Highly effective for managing the nerve inflammation that drives stenosis symptoms. By reducing swelling around compressed nerve roots, injections can significantly improve walking distance and reduce leg pain. Many patients benefit from periodic epidural steroid injections to maintain their relief

Lumbar Injection Therapy

Targeted lumbar injections provide medication directly to the affected area while minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues.

MILD Procedure

The Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression, or MILD procedure, is designed for patients whose spinal stenosis is caused by thickening of the ligament inside the spinal canal.

Using specialized instruments through a very small opening, Dr. Koppel removes a portion of the thickened ligament to create additional space for the compressed nerves.

Many patients experience meaningful improvements in walking distance and overall function following the procedure.

Radiofrequency Ablation

When arthritis of the facet joints is contributing to chronic back pain, radiofrequency ablation can interrupt the small nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals.

Many patients experience relief lasting several months or longer.

Why Choose Dr. Todd Koppel?

Choosing the right physician can make a significant difference in your treatment experience and outcomes.

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Todd Koppel has helped patients throughout New Jersey reduce pain and regain mobility through personalized, minimally invasive pain management.

Patients choose Dr. Koppel because he offers:

• Nearly 30 years of experience treating spine conditions
• Fellowship training at the Hospital for Special Surgery
• Personalized treatment plans based on your diagnosis and lifestyle
• Advanced image guided procedures for greater precision
• Expertise in minimally invasive treatments, including the MILD procedure
• A conservative approach that focuses on helping patients avoid surgery whenever appropriate
• Compassionate care that takes time to answer your questions

His goal is to help you stay active, independent, and able to enjoy everyday life with less pain.