Discomfort while upright
Some people develop buttock or leg pain, cramping or heaviness while standing or walking.
Serving Oxford at our Shelton office
Spinal Stenosis Treatment
Near Oxford, CT
Bring a walking and standing history to a spinal stenosis evaluation. At your first visit in Shelton, Dr. Dalfino will review your symptoms and discuss which treatment options may fit your findings.
Understand the condition
Measure what matters to you
If standing or walking has become harder, note how long you can stay on your feet and what happens when you rest. Bring any imaging or prior diagnosis.
Relief with a position change
Sitting or leaning forward may ease symptoms. This pattern is useful information, not a diagnosis by itself.
Reduced walking tolerance
Needing more frequent breaks is worth discussing, especially alongside weakness or altered sensation.
Your evaluation
Describe what changes when you stop walking
Think of a familiar errand. Estimate how far you get before symptoms start, where you feel them and whether standing still or sitting down makes a difference. If you have already been told you have spinal stenosis, bring the report and name one walking goal you would like to discuss. Ask how the clinician would track that goal over time.
Already have a recommendation? Explore a second opinion →Your care options
Discuss a realistic movement goal
In Shelton, we review your walking limitations and discuss whether treatment here or further evaluation is appropriate. Ask what change you could track during your everyday routine.
When symptoms should not wait
New difficulty urinating, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or rapidly worsening leg weakness needs emergency medical assessment. Do not wait for a routine office appointment. New or worsening weakness also deserves prompt medical attention.
Questions before your Shelton visit
A little more clarity.
Is spinal stenosis the same as sciatica?
No. Stenosis describes narrowing in the spine. Sciatica describes a pattern of radiating leg symptoms. Lumbar stenosis can be one cause of that pattern.
Can I have stenosis without symptoms?
Yes. Narrowing does not affect everyone the same way. Treatment decisions should consider function, symptoms and examination as well as imaging.
When should I discuss surgery?
A specialist opinion may be appropriate when non-surgical care has not adequately helped, walking is substantially limited, or neurological function is worsening. Some changes need urgent attention.
Before your appointment
Questions about non-surgical spine care?
Start with the treatment guide, including candidacy, what to bring, appointment length and cost questions. Your consultation and examination determine whether the services offered at our Shelton office are appropriate.
Patient education sources
General educational resources. These organizations do not endorse this center or its treatments. Individual recommendations require an examination.
Directions
Directions from Oxford to Shelton
Coming from Oxford? Our Shelton office is about a 25-minute drive from central Oxford. Use the directions below to check the drive from your address before you head out.
Get directions from Oxford to the Shelton office
