Spinal Stenosis: Correct Diagnosis is Critical, says San Francisco Spine Surgeon

Considered by many of his patients to be the best spine surgeon in San Francisco, Dr. Kenneth Light specializes in difficult cases and treating patients with failed back surgeries.

A normal spine and
one with stenosis (arrow)

“With the aging population, more people are having difficulty walking,” says Dr. Light - “There are 3 reasons why people over the age of sixty have problems walking: hip arthritis, arteriosclerosis, and spinal stenosis. All 3 conditions can present the same symptoms, so you could have hip surgery when you actually need stenosis treatment, for example’” says Dr. Light. ”The right diagnosis is essential, which is why it’s important to seek a qualified orthopaedic surgeon who can determine what is causing the symptoms.”

Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition, often linked to arthritis, that causes a narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of the nerves. “Spinal Stenosis usually affects people about 60 years of age and older, but it can affect younger people who are born with small spinal canals,” says Dr. Light. “The condition denotes narrowing of the spinal canal,  and / or narrowing of the nerve root canals, which conduct the individual spinal nerves. The symptoms can develop slowly or may come on rapidly,” says Dr. Light.

"We are seeing patients who are developing these problems at much earlier ages. People are more active than their parents and are remaining so much later in life. They expect more from their bodies," says Dr. Light..

Treatment for spinal stenosis can include conservative approaches such as physical therapy and medication, but if these treatments don’t bring relief, surgery is the next option, says Dr. Light.

"There are some newer treatments with surgery that are less invasive or more conservative that can be beneficial, especially for a person who wishes to maintain an active lifestyle." says Dr. Light.

For additional information visit www.drkennethlight.com or call 415.673.4500.

Dr. Kenneth Light graduated from the Cornell University College of Medicine in New York City. He completed his residency in Orhopaedic Surgery at the University of California in San Francisco., and completed a fellowship in spinal surgery under the guidance of Edward H. Simmons at the State University of New York in Buffalo.

Dr. Light was director of the spine clinic at San Francisco General Hospital, and was founder and medical director of the San Francisco Spine Center at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, is board certified with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at University of California, San Francisco. He is currently in private practice in San Francisco where he specializes in reconstructive surgery in patients who have had failed back surgery.

Always consult a physician for advice on any specific medical condition or when considering any treatment or procedure. Copyright © 2012 Doctor's P.R. -  All rights reserved.

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