The Warning Signs of Spinal Stenosis You Shouldn't Ignore

13. Diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis

Doctors use a number of tools to diagnose spinal stenosis. They may first take an extensive medical history to learn as much as they can about the location and characteristics of your pain and perform a physical exam to determine how your condition is limiting your movements and balance or affecting the reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength in your arms, hands, legs, and feet. Imaging tests can also help determine if you have spinal stenosis. X-rays can show disc and joint degeneration and bone spurs; MRIs can be used to examine the ligaments and nerve roots in and around the spine; and CT scans can be useful for detecting fractures or changes from osteoarthritis.