Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Statement Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To see our full nondiscrimination statement, click here.

Campus Construction Update

Starting September 14, we’re closing the Menino building lobby entrance. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

Click here to learn more about our campus redesign. 

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces in the spine, putting pressure on nerves. Most often, the neck and/or lower back are affected, causing numbness, weakness and cramping in the arms, hands, legs and feet. Sometimes there are no symptoms, but often symptoms appear over time and progress with age.

The following departments see patients with Spinal Stenosis:

How is a Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?

After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will examine your back. This will include looking at your back and pushing on different areas to see if it hurts.

Your doctor may have you bend forward, backward, and side-to-side to look for limitations or pain.

Spinal Stenosis Imaging Tests

Other tests which may help your doctor confirm your diagnosis include:

X-rays. Although they only visualize bones, X-rays can help determine if you have spinal stenosis. X-rays will show aging changes, like loss of disc height or bone spurs. X-rays taken while you lean forward and backward can show "instability" in your joints. X-rays can also show too much mobility. This is called spondylolisthesis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study can create better images of soft tissues, such as muscles, discs, nerves, and the spinal cord.

Additional tests. Computed tomography (CT) scans can create cross-section images of your spine. Your doctor may also order a myelogram. In this procedure, dye is injected into the spine to make the nerves show up more clearly. It can help your doctor determine whether the nerves are being compressed.

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Orthopedic Surgery

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery offers orthopedic services from head to toe for acute injuries, as well as chronic conditions of the musculoskeletal system, to help you get b…
department

Spine Surgery

We provide comprehensive surgical treatment for all spine-related conditions, including less invasive surgical techniques that lead to faster recovery times and reduced pain.
department

Spine Surgery

BMC’s spine surgery program provides all that and more, with spine surgeons who have developed and perfected new techniques and have cared for all spinal problems, including the m…