The Spine & Back Blog

Understanding Spinal Stenosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces within your spine narrow, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. At Neuroscience & Spine Center of the Carolinas (NSSC) in Gastonia, NC, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment—helping patients relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life.

Understanding Spinal Stenosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options (NSSC, Gastonia, NC)Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis symptoms can develop gradually and may include:

  • Back or leg pain that worsens when standing or walking
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • Neck pain or stiffness (cervical stenosis)
  • Difficulty walking long distances
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control in severe cases (requires immediate care)

Causes of Spinal Stenosis

The most common cause is age-related degeneration, but other factors include:

  • Arthritis and bone spurs
  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Thickened ligaments
  • Spinal injuries or fractures
  • Congenital narrowing of the spine

Treatment Options at NSSC

We create personalized treatment plans to address each patient’s needs and lifestyle.

Non-Surgical Treatments:

  • Physical therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Epidural steroid injections

Surgical Options (Minimally Invasive When Possible):

  • Laminectomy
  • Foraminotomy
  • Minimally invasive decompression
  • Spinal fusion for instability

Why Choose NSSC for Spine and Back Care?

Neuroscience & Spine Center of the Carolinas - Gastonia Back Pain Treatment Experts

Looking for back or spine pain relief in the Gastonia, NC area? Contact us today and learn how we can help.

At Neuroscience and Spine Center of the Carolinas (NSSC), we specialize in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS)—a modern, patient-centered surgical technique that treats spine conditions through small incisions with precision tools and less disruption to surrounding tissue.

Traditional vs Minimally Invasive Spine SurgeryWhat is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) uses specialized instruments and advanced imaging guidance to access and treat problem areas of the spine with greater accuracy and less trauma to muscles, ligaments, and nerves. It’s ideal for treating conditions such as:

Rather than large incisions and lengthy hospital stays, MISS is designed to help you recover quicker, safer, and with fewer complications.

Key Benefits of MISS

  • Smaller Incisions – Typically 1–2 inches vs. traditional 4–6+ inches
  • Less Muscle Disruption – Leads to reduced post-op pain and faster healing
  • Minimal Blood Loss – Less need for transfusions
  • Lower Risk of Infection – Due to smaller wounds and shorter surgical time
  • Shorter Recovery Times – Many patients return home the same day or next
  • Faster Return to Daily Life – Resume work and activities with less downtime

At NSSC, your care is led by Dr. William Hunter, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over a decade of experience in both traditional and advanced spine procedures. Our approach is conservative, compassionate, and personalized

Back Pain? Schedule a Consultation at Our Gastonia Office

If you’ve been living with pain that limits your movement, your sleep, or your ability to enjoy life, schedule a consultation today. We’re here to help you get back to doing what you love, pain-free.

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints we see at Neuroscience and Spine Center of the Carolinas. And it’s no surprise. Between daily activities like working at computers, driving, and simply dealing with the stresses of modern life, your neck endures a lot of strain.

When neck pain becomes persistent or severe, it can affect every part of your life. From your ability to work and exercise to your overall mood and quality of sleep.

Dr. William Hunter, MD, a Board-Certified Neurosurgeon with extensive expertise in complex spine care, leads our team in providing expert diagnosis and both non-surgical and surgical treatments to help you find lasting relief.

Common Symptoms of Cervical (Neck) Pain

Understanding Cervical (Neck) Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment Options - NSSC | GastoniaNeck pain can present in different ways depending on the cause. Symptoms may include:

  • Persistent or sharp pain in the neck
  • Stiffness and decreased range of motion
  • Pain radiating to the shoulders, arms, or hands
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms or fingers
  • Headaches, often originating at the base of the skull
  • Muscle weakness in the arms or hands
  • Difficulty maintaining balance or coordination in severe cases

Early evaluation is important, especially if symptoms interfere with daily activities, worsen over time, or are associated with neurological changes like numbness or weakness.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

There are many potential reasons for cervical spine pain, including:

  • Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related wear and tear can cause discs between the vertebrae to break down, leading to pain and stiffness.
  • Herniated or Bulging Disc: When a spinal disc presses on a nearby nerve, it can cause radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms.
  • Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to arthritis or bone spurs, which puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
  • Cervical Radiculopathy ("Pinched Nerve"): Nerve compression resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness radiating from the neck into the arms.
  • Trauma or Injury: Whiplash from car accidents, sports injuries, or falls can cause acute or chronic neck issues.
  • Postural Strain: Long periods of poor posture, particularly from desk work, can lead to muscular strain and chronic discomfort.

Advanced Non-Surgical Treatment Options

In many cases, neck pain can be successfully treated without surgery. Our personalized, evidence-based approach may include:

  • Physical Therapy: To strengthen the muscles supporting the neck and improve posture.
  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers.
  • Epidural Steroid Injections: Targeted injections to reduce inflammation around irritated nerves.
  • Trigger Point Injections: For muscular pain relief.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Ergonomic assessments and exercise programs to prevent future flare-ups.

Dr. Hunter and our team work closely with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan focused on restoring function and relieving pain.

When Surgery Becomes Necessary

If conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, particularly if there is significant nerve compression or spinal instability, surgical intervention may be recommended.

Some of the advanced surgical options performed by Dr. Hunter include:

  • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): A procedure where a damaged disc is removed, and the vertebrae are fused together to stabilize the spine.
  • Cervical Disc Replacement: An alternative to fusion, preserving motion by replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one.
  • Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion: Performed from the back of the neck for extensive nerve or spinal cord compression.
  • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and faster recovery whenever possible.

Dr. Hunter brings over a decade of surgical expertise, combined with a focus on minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

Why Choose Neuroscience and Spine Center of the Carolinas?

At Neuroscience and Spine Center of the Carolinas, we are committed to delivering comprehensive, compassionate, and cutting-edge care. Led by Dr. William Hunter, MD, we combine advanced diagnostics, evidence-based treatments, and patient-centered care to help you move better, feel better, and get back to the activities you love. Neck pain doesn’t have to control your life! Let us help you find the solution that's right for you. Contact us at our Gastonia, NC office to learn more.

TREATMENT: STEM CELL INJECTIONS

What are Adult Stem Cells?

Adult stem cells were discovered over 40 years ago when researchers found that cells derived from bone marrow had the ability to form various tissues. Adult stem cells are early stage cells that, under the right conditions, are capable of developing into other types of cells and hold the potential to regenerate damaged tissue.

Who is a good candidate?

Your physician will want a history of your injury and a physical examination along with any x-rays, and an MRI. While stem cell therapy may be appropriate for certain conditions, it is not applicable for every condition.  However, it has proven to be a viable option for  individuals suffering from pain.  A good candidate for adult stem cell treatment usually is:

  • A patient that wants to avoid the inherent complications that come with an invasive surgical procedure
  • A pain sufferer that is interested in an option that offers potential for an overall improved quality of life
  • A person who understands that surgery sets off a cascade of further degeneration, and is prepared to benefit from the body’s own regenerative mechanisms.
  • Every patient is different, the success of the stem cell therapy is dependent on the severity of your condition and your body’s response to stem cell therapy.

What is the procedure like?

A basic stem cell procedure lasts about 45 minutes or less. The physician will retrieve bone marrow percutaneously from the iliac crest of the hip (5 minutes). The aspirated bone marrow will then be concentrated into a smaller volume, devoid of plasma and red blood cells (12 minutes). Finally, the physician will deliver your concentrated stem cells back to the target site for regeneration.

 

What is the recovery period?

After a joint injection, you can typically go back to work immediately. It is advised to avoid load-bearing activities for at least 2 weeks. After a disc injection, you should rest for 2-3 days and try to stay off your feet. In any stem cell procedure, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) should be withheld for 72 hours pre-procedure and one week post-procedure.

Which Joints We Treat

  • Knee
  • Hip
  • Shoulder
  • Ankle
  • Wrist

How Do I Prepare For a Stem Cell Procedure

Before the procedure, you should not take any anti-inflammatory medications, for at least 5 days prior to the procedure. (Medications such as Advil, Aleve, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, etc.)
 

How Long Will It Take To Feel Relief And Obtain Improved Function Of The Joint

Every patient is different and it also depends on which joint or joints you have had treatment on.  Some patients have had improved mobility and pain relief in as few as 2-3 weeks.  Other patients have seen improvements at 2-3 months.
 

How Long Will I Feel Relief And Maintain Good Function After The Procedure

Since every patient is different, each outcome will also be different.  Studies have shown that adult stem cell treatments on joints have produced better outcomes than traditional treatments and/or surgical procedures. Stem cell therapy has helped patients to post-pone joint replacements and surgeries for many years and some patients have been able to completely avoid surgery or joint replacements all together.
 

Is Stem Cell Therapy FDA Approved

The bone marrow concentrate used for the treatment is drawn from your own hip using an FDA approved device.  Because your own bone marrow is used to obtain your own stem cells, the FDA requirements are met for the definition of the practice of medicine.