Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis

Omar Saleem, MD, MsPT

Dr. Omar Saleem is a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon with expertise in diagnosing and treating spinal stenosis, a condition where the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This often leads to pain, numbness, and weakness, typically in the neck or lower back. Dr. Saleem offers both non-surgical and surgical solutions tailored to each patient’s specific needs to relieve symptoms and improve spinal function.

Comprehensive Diagnosis and Assessment

Dr. Saleem uses advanced diagnostic techniques to accurately identify spinal stenosis and its severity, including:

  • Physical Examination: Evaluating symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness, along with assessing range of motion.
  • Imaging: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to visualize the narrowing of the spinal canal and the extent of nerve compression.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

For many patients, Dr. Saleem focuses on non-invasive treatments to manage the symptoms of spinal stenosis, including:

  • Physical Therapy: Customized exercises to improve posture, strengthen the muscles around the spine, and increase flexibility, reducing the impact of the narrowed spinal canal.
  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
  • Epidural Steroid Injections: Injections into the space around the spinal cord to decrease inflammation and relieve pressure on the nerves.

Surgical Treatment Options

If conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief or if the condition is more severe, Dr. Saleem offers advanced surgical options to decompress the spine and alleviate nerve pressure:

  • Laminectomy: A procedure that involves removing part of the vertebrae (the lamina) to create more space in the spinal canal, relieving pressure on the nerves.
  • Foraminotomy: Enlarging the openings where nerve roots exit the spine to reduce compression and pain.
  • Spinal Fusion: In cases where spinal stability is compromised, spinal fusion may be recommended to fuse two or more vertebrae, stabilizing the spine and preventing further narrowing.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care

Dr. Saleem emphasizes a holistic recovery plan for patients with spinal stenosis, focusing on rehabilitation that promotes strength, flexibility, and long-term spinal health. His approach includes post-treatment physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence of symptoms, ensuring that patients maintain mobility and quality of life. Dr. Saleem’s goal is to provide personalized care that restores function and allows patients to return to daily activities pain-free.