or call
919-620-5168Duke's back doctors use advanced techniques to treat the progressive narrowing of the spine -- a condition known as spinal stenosis. Our goal is to avoid surgery, if possible. However, when surgery is necessary, our spine experts specialize in surgeries that reduce pain and improve other problems associated with stenosis. We help you preserve and potentially regain your normal function as quickly as possible.
Stenosis is most common in the lower back and neck. It can cause a range of symptoms including pain and numbness, difficulty walking, problems with bladder and bowel function, and weakness. We treat the full range of spine conditions, which is an important consideration because stenosis can be caused by degenerative disc disease, spinal arthritis, or trauma such as a spine fracture or spine cancer.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
X-rays take pictures of bones and joints in your back. They can help identify fractures, tumors, dislocations, bone spurs, instability, or other potential causes of pain. This test takes about 15 minutes and is virtually painless. Because X-rays only show bones, and not discs or nerves, an additional imaging test may also be needed.
Magnets and radio waves create detailed pictures of your spine, including your discs and nerves. Images can help identify disc damage or pinched nerves. This test takes about 30 to 60 minutes,and is virtually painless.
A series of cross-sectional pictures produce detailed, 3D images of your spine and spinal cord. This test takes about 30 to 60 minutes and is virtually painless.
A dye is injected into the sac around the nerve roots in your spinal cord to make them more visible on a CT scan. This test is often used for people who are unable to get an MRI. You will feel some discomfort during the injection. This test takes about one or two hours.
Electrodes are inserted directly into muscle with a thin needle to record electrical activity. You will feel some discomfort. EMG and NCS, which can last from 30 to 90 minutes, measures how well muscles and nerve cells are working in a certain area of your body -- in this case, your back or neck.
Where you receive your care matters. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our orthopaedics, neurology, and neurosurgery programs are nationally ranked, and are the highest ranked programs in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2022–2023.
Highly Experienced Spine Center
Research shows that hospitals and surgeons who perform more surgeries tend to have better outcomes. Our surgical team performs more than 3,000 spine surgeries every year and sees over 30,000 patients.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries
Whenever possible, we use advanced minimally invasive procedures. Using high-powered microscopes and tiny instruments, surgeons can access the spine through small incisions. This technique limits muscle damage, results in less pain, and helps you recover faster.
Operating Room Technology
Our ORs are equipped with real-time imaging options that give spine surgeons detailed, 3D pictures and video of your spine. These systems can decrease the need for extra imaging after surgery, exposing you to less radiation. OR staff also use a sophisticated sensor navigation system that helps them avoid vital nerves and other structures. This allows for more surgical accuracy than ever before.
A Team of Specialists
In addition to neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons, your team may include physiatrists (physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors who specialize in conservative spine care), physical therapists, psychologists, pain management experts, and others -- all of whom work with you to alleviate the pain caused by your stenosis or myelopathy.