Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Why Back and Leg Pain May Not Be ‘Just Aging’

Updated on Jul 13, 2026 | Featured, Your Health

Image of an adult woman holding her backStenosis in general occurs when the spinal canal (which houses the spinal cord and its nerves) narrows, giving the spinal cord and nerves less room to move. This pressure on the spinal cord and nearby nerves can cause pain, numbness, weakness, bowel/bladder changes, and can even make standing or walking painful. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in your lower back. 

In this Q&A, Alexander M. Crawford, MD, MPH , a fellowship trained spine surgeon and Assistant Professor, Orthopedics,  Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses the causes and treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis, how to relieve pain, restore your mobility and improve your quality of life. 

Alexander M. Crawford, MD, MPH

“If you are experiencing lower back pain, sciatica, difficulty walking, or weakness in the legs, it’s time to see a specialist who can evaluate your condition, make a diagnosis, and develop the best treatment options to alleviate pain and improve your quality of life,” says Dr. Crawford. He treats the full spectrum of spinal disorders, including degenerative conditions such as arthritis and disc herniations, scoliosis, trauma, tumors, and complex revision surgeries. He offers both traditional open and advanced minimally invasive surgical approaches. 

What causes lumbar spinal stenosis? 

The spine is divided into three sections: the cervical spine (your neck), the thoracic spine (your mid back), and the lumbar spine (your low back). Your lumbar vertebrae stabilize your spine, supports most of your body weight, and helps maintain balance. With intricately affiliated nerves, muscles, and ligaments, this area of your spine controls your ability to walk, run, sit, lift, go to the bathroom, and move in all directions. Causes of spinal stenosis include:  

  • Arthritis and bone spurs 
  • Bulging or herniated discs 
  • Unstable segments of your spine, otherwise known as “slipped” discs 
  • Traumas, fractures, and tumors 

How does lumbar spinal stenosis relate to aging? 

Most commonly, spinal stenosis results from a degenerative aging process. As we age, our spinal ligaments may thicken and calcify, or our bones and joints (including those in your spine) may swell and develop bone spurs. Two forms of arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) can also wear away the surface cartilage and cause an overgrowth of the bone that narrows the spinal canal. For most people, symptoms develop over time and can include one or more of the following: 

  • Back pain 
  • Numbness and cramping in the feet or legs 
  • Difficulty walking more than a few blocks 
  • A burning pain from the buttock down the leg that is often referred to as sciatica  

How is lumbar spinal stenosis diagnosed? 

To diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis, we start by taking your medical history and conducting a physical exam to assess your pain and symptoms. We also use an imaging test, such as an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or computerized tomography (CT) scan. 

What are the nonsurgical treatment options for lumbar spinal stenosis? 

To address early symptoms of lumbar stenosis, doctors prescribe nonsurgical treatments including: 

  • Physical therapy to strengthen the back, stomach, and leg muscles 
  • Application of ice and/or heat to affected areas 
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs  

These treatments help to reduce inflammation, can relieve some pressure on the nerves, and can offer pain relief. 

Another nonsurgical option is a series of spinal injections. Several types of injections may be used, varying by the medication delivered and the specific area targeted. Most often, patients receive a steroid injection—a strong anti‑inflammatory medication—directly into the irritated area to help reduce inflammation and ease pressure.  

What are the surgical options for lumbar spinal stenosis? 

We generally consider surgery only if these other methods are not effective at relieving pain or if you have severe weakness. When indicated, there are various types of lumbar surgery that are customized to different spinal disorders. These include: 

  • Microdiscectomy 
  • Laminectomy  
  • Fusion treatments using the most advanced techniques, including minimally invasive spine surgery, robotics, and microsurgery. 

Microdiscectomy: This is one of the most performed spinal decompression procedures. The spinal surgeon may remove some or all the damaged disc, depending on the patient’s needs. We typically perform this surgery when spinal stenosis is caused by one bulging disc. Symptoms of a bulging disc include: 

  • Significant back pain 
  • Weakness or numbness in the leg or foot 
  • More pain in the leg or foot than in the back (i.e., sciatica) 

Most patients experience considerable relief shortly after surgery. Patients typically return to work within two to six weeks of the procedure. 

Laminectomy: This is another form of spinal decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. During this procedure, the surgeon removes all or part of the lamina, the portion of bone that forms the roof of the spinal canal. By relieving pressure, the spinal nerves have more space to heal. A laminectomy can relieve pain or other symptoms caused by conditions that affect your nerves and spinal column. In certain circumstances, there is even an option for a minimally invasive form of laminectomy to reduce your recovery time and help you feel better sooner. 

Find a Mount Sinai orthopedist

Mount Sinai Celebrates Culture, Heritage, and Community at the Puerto Rican Day Parade

Updated on Jul 7, 2026 | Community, Featured

Members of the Heritage of Latinx Alliance (HOLA) Employee Resource Group represented Mount Sinai Health System at the 69th Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday, June 14, joining thousands of participants in one of the nation’s largest celebrations of Puerto Rican culture, heritage, and community. 

Held along Fifth Avenue in New York City, this year’s parade embraced the theme, “Somos Más Que 100×35”, celebrating the richness, resilience, and contributions of Puerto Ricans both on the island and throughout the diaspora. (The theme, translated in English as “We Are More Than 100×35,” is a popular statement of pride, referring to the size of Puerto Rico, which is about 100 by 35 miles.) 

Employees marched alongside community organizations, cultural groups, and supporters from across the region in a display of pride, unity, and cultural celebration. Throughout the day, participants connected with fellow marchers and spectators while celebrating the traditions, history, and spirit that make the Puerto Rican community so vibrant. 

For many participants, the parade also served as an opportunity to celebrate their own personal connections to Puerto Rican culture while strengthening relationships with colleagues across the Health System.

“I want to thank Mount Sinai for giving us the opportunity to take part in the Puerto Rican Day Parade. As someone born and raised in New York to parents who were born and raised in Puerto Rico, this experience allows me to honor my family’s heritage, celebrate my culture, and stay connected to my roots. It also reflects the pride, diversity, and inclusion of our employees, our patients, and the community we serve,” says Sylvia Anavitate, Senior Billing Coordinator, Accounts Receivable, at The Mount Sinai Hospital. 

For Janessa Aponte of the Corporate Strategic Sourcing Department, the parade was a memorable first experience. 

“Walking together, celebrating our Puerto Rican pride, sharing laughs, dancing, and enjoying all the festivities was truly incredible,” she says. “The energy, excitement, and sense of unity throughout the day made it such a special event. I am so grateful for the opportunity to join such a wonderful group and be part of this celebration.” 

Participation in events such as the Puerto Rican Day Parade reflects Mount Sinai’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where employees can celebrate their diverse identities, share their cultures, and build meaningful connections with one another and the communities Mount Sinai serves. 

The Office for Health Data, Outcomes, and Engagement Strategy team and the HOLA ERG leads and members thank all who participated and helped represent Mount Sinai during this year’s celebration.

Learn more about the Office for Health Data, Outcomes, and Engagement Strategy (HDOES)

Should You Go to Urgent Care, Your Primary Care Doctor, or the Emergency Room?

Jul 2, 2026 | Featured, Primary Care, Urgent Care, Your Health

A female patient speaks to a male doctor at Mount Sinai Express Care – Queens

A patient speaks to a doctor at Mount Sinai Express Care – Queens

If you’re sick or injured, it can be difficult to know whether you should visit a walk-in urgent care center, your primary care doctor, or the emergency room. Choosing the right place for same-day care can help you receive treatment more quickly while ensuring you get the care you need.

Ryan Renacci, MD, MA, Medical Director, Mount Sinai-Urgent Care, East 14th Street and Mount Sinai-Union Square, explains when each option is most appropriate.

a headshot of Ryan Renacci, MD, MA

Ryan Renacci, MD, MA

What is the difference between urgent care and the emergency room?

Emergency rooms, also known as emergency departments, are primarily for patients with life-threatening conditions, such as a stroke or major injury. Urgent care centers provide walk-in, same-day care for common illnesses and minor injuries that are not life-threatening.

Emergency rooms have greater resources to evaluate and treat more serious or complex conditions. They can perform laboratory testing and imaging quickly, provide rapid interpretation of results, and consult specialists if emergency intervention is needed.

Because lab results at urgent care are not available the same day, patients with symptoms such as chest pain, abdominal pain, or dizziness that could be related to a heart condition, blood clot, or stroke may be referred to the emergency room, where timely diagnosis and treatment are critical.

What conditions can be treated at an urgent care center?

Urgent care centers provide same-day care for many illnesses and injuries that require prompt treatment but are not medical emergencies, including:

Common illnesses

  • Upper respiratory infections, including strep throat
  • Flu symptoms
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Bronchitis
  • Mild coughs
  • Rashes

Minor injuries

  • Sprains and strains
  • Ankle injuries
  • Fractures of the arm or leg
  • Minor head injuries and concussions
  • Cuts requiring stitches or suture removal

Other services

  • Vaccinations
  • Routine blood tests
  • Screening laboratory tests
  • Evaluation for sexually transmitted infections

The help desk at Mount Sinai-Urgent Care, East 14th Street

The reception desk at Mount Sinai-Urgent Care, East 14th Street, located in Mount Sinai-Union Square


When should I go to the emergency room instead of urgent care?

Go to the emergency room immediately if you have symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, severe bleeding, major trauma, or another life-threatening emergency. If you are unsure whether your condition is an emergency, an urgent care provider can evaluate you and refer you to the emergency department if necessary.

What are some common misconceptions about urgent care?

A common misconception is that urgent care is the right place for ongoing, chronic, and complex medical problems. While urgent care is good for evaluating new symptoms that have developed over a few days, specialists are better equipped to monitor chronic illnesses, adjust medications, and manage more complex conditions over time.

Signs You Should Call 911

Examples:

  • Chest pain with shortness of breath
  • Sudden weakness or numbness
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Severe head injury
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe bleeding
  • Accidental drug ingestion or overdose

When should I see a doctor instead of going to urgent care?

If you are experiencing chronic or ongoing health problems, you should see a specialist. For example, chronic hearing loss or chronic hearing changes should be evaluated by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Persistent or complex skin rashes should be managed by a dermatologist, who can offer medications, perform biopsies, and provide specialized care. Similarly, changes or refills to chronic medications (like blood pressure medications) should always be performed by your primary care physician, who can monitor you over time.

What should I do if I can’t get an appointment with my primary care doctor?

If you cannot get a timely appointment with your primary care doctor, urgent care can provide same-day care for many non-emergency medical concerns while helping coordinate follow-up with a specialist or primary care doctor, often within a few days.

Find a Mount Sinai Urgent Care Center near you

What Are the New FDA-Approved BEMT Sunscreens?

Updated on Jul 20, 2026 | Dermatology, Featured, Skin Health, Your Health

A woman applying sunscreen on a young child.

For more than 25 years, sunscreen ingredients available in the United States remained largely unchanged. That changed on June 9, 2026, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved bemotrizinol (BEMT), the first new sunscreen filter approved in the United States since 1999.

The approval is welcome news for dermatologists because BEMT offers another option for broad-spectrum sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

“I’m very excited that the FDA has approved this new filter,” says Nicholas Brownstone, MD, board certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “It’s time we have new filters because sunscreen technology continues to advance. We want to take advantage of the latest research and innovations to better protect our skin.”

So what is BEMT, and how does it compare with the sunscreens currently available over the counter? Dr. Brownstone explains.

Are BEMT sunscreens new?

Although BEMT is newly approved in the United States, it has been used safely for years in other parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Unlike many other countries, the United States regulates sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug. As a result, approving new sunscreen ingredients has historically been a lengthy regulatory process.

Recent legislative changes, including provisions in the CARES Act, helped modernize parts of that process.

“As dermatologists, we welcome this innovation,” says Dr. Brownstone. “We hope it leads to continued advances in sunscreen technology.”

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Nicholas Brownstone, MD, board certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explains the newly approved BEMT sunscreens.

How does BEMT compare with existing sunscreens?

Bemotrizinol is a broad-spectrum chemical sunscreen filter, meaning a single ingredient helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

It is also highly photostable, meaning it maintains its effectiveness when exposed to sunlight better than many existing sunscreen filters.

Another advantage is that it allows manufacturers to create lighter, more cosmetically elegant sunscreen formulations without relying on as many additional ingredients.

The FDA has also determined that BEMT is generally recognized as safe and effective. Because its molecule is larger than those of many existing chemical sunscreen filters, it is less likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

How does BEMT compare with mineral sunscreens?

Mineral sunscreens remain an excellent option for protecting your skin.

Mineral sunscreens work by reflecting and scattering ultraviolet rays, while chemical sunscreens such as BEMT absorb ultraviolet energy before it can damage the skin.

One difference is cosmetic appearance. Mineral sunscreens may leave a white cast on the skin, while chemical sunscreens often blend in more easily.

Both mineral and chemical broad-spectrum sunscreens can provide effective sun protection when used correctly.

Why is broad-spectrum protection important?

Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

UVA rays contribute primarily to premature skin aging and photoaging. UVB rays are the leading cause of sunburns and play a major role in the development of skin cancer.

Protecting against both types of ultraviolet radiation helps reduce the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging.

Is my current sunscreen still good enough?

Yes—if your sunscreen is labeled “broad spectrum” and has an SPF of 30 or higher, it remains an effective choice when applied correctly.

Dr. Brownstone recommends:

  • Using an SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum sunscreen
  • Applying about one shot glass of sunscreen to cover the body
  • Applying sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outdoors
  • Reapplying every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating

People often ask Dr. Brownstone which sunscreen is best.

His answer is simple: “The best sunscreen is the sunscreen that you’ll actually use.”

Find a Mount Sinai doctor

Administrative Fellowship Program Continues to Advance Future Health Care Leaders

Jun 30, 2026 | Community, Featured

As one chapter closes, another begins. The Mount Sinai Office for Health Data, Outcomes, and Engagement Strategy (HDOES) is proud to welcome Cassandra Felix, MHSA, MPH, who will join the Mount Sinai Health System as an Administrative Fellow in July.

Cassandra Felix

A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ms. Felix brings a passion for health care leadership, a dedicated focus on advancing patient-centered care, and a strong commitment to addressing the needs of underserved communities. The HDOES team is excited to welcome the perspective, energy, and purpose she will bring to the Health System.

“I am excited to collaborate with teams across Mount Sinai Health System to transform care delivery and improve outcomes for the communities we serve. This opportunity reflects my commitment to health equity and contributing to efforts that drive meaningful change in health care,” she says. Her passion for advancing health equity and improving outcomes aligns closely with Mount Sinai’s mission.

As HDOES welcomes its newest fellow, Tyler Nichols, MPH, who recently completed the Administrative Fellowship Program, has been appointed Associate Director of Site Administration for Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West.

Since joining the fellowship in 2024, Mr. Nichols has demonstrated a commitment to leadership and operational excellence—approaching every challenge with thoughtfulness, integrity, and a clear dedication to the communities Mount Sinai serves. HDOES is proud of the leader he has become and excited to see the continued impact he will make in this important role.

Tyler Nichols

“The Administrative Fellowship has been one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of my career. It provided me with the opportunity to engage with leaders, teams, and front-line staff across Mount Sinai, while contributing to both local priorities and systemwide initiatives that advance patient care and operational excellence,” he says. “I am blessed to continue my journey, working under the leadership of Janice Connolly, Vice President of Administration. I look forward to building on the foundation of the fellowship and continuing to support work that makes a lasting impact for our patients, workforce, and communities.”

Established in 2015 and managed by the Office for Health Data, Outcomes, and Engagement Strategy, the Administrative Fellowship Program is a two-year leadership development program designed for early-career professionals who are passionate about advancing health equity and addressing the needs of underserved communities. Through hands-on learning opportunities across administrative and clinical departments, fellows build the skills and relationships needed to become effective, equity-centered leaders—all in service of Mount Sinai’s commitment to health equity and excellence in care.

Learn more about Mount Sinai's Office for Health Data, Outcomes, and Engagement Strategy

Nursing Plays a Central Role as Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center Achieves Top Designation

Updated on Jun 26, 2026 | Featured, Nursing

From left: Jennifer Pouliot, MSN, RN, OCN; Frances Cartwright, PhD, RN-BC, AOCN, FAAN; Rita Jakubowski, DNP; and Jane Weisser, NP, AOM, P-BC

When the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center (TCC) received its Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute, it completed a comprehensive, 10-year review process that placed TCC among the top one percent of cancer centers nationwide. These centers dedicate significant resources to develop research programs, faculty, and facilities that promote better and innovative approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

At Mount Sinai, nursing plays a significant role.

“After a decade of growth in research, clinical trials, and community outreach, Mount Sinai became eligible to apply for Comprehensive Cancer Center designation in 2024,” says Frances Cartwright, PhD, RN-BC, AOCN, FAAN, Vice President of Nursing, Mount Sinai Health System Oncology Services, the Center for Nursing Research and Innovation, and Associate Professor of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “Nursing has been an integral part of that rigor—developing practice standards for clinical trials, delivering high-quality care, standardizing practices and education to enhance safety, innovating to offer seamless care to patients throughout their care experience, and it goes on.”

For example, in the case of multiple myeloma research, clinical trials, and survivorship, Mount Sinai’s nursing leadership extends globally.

In 2017, Mount Sinai administered the first chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in myeloma, a groundbreaking cellular therapy that uses the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer.

“We treated the first human ever to receive this therapy,” says Donna Catamero, NP, DNP-c, OCN, CCRC, Associate Director of Myeloma Research, The Mount Sinai Hospital. “These patients had a three-year survival rate, and today we’re talking about how we define ‘cure.’ This dramatic progress is directly due to the clinical trials we conducted at Mount Sinai, and the care and treatment approaches our nurses developed are now literally the standard of care worldwide.”

“The role of nursing is crucial,” Dr. Catamero says. “We’re very closely linked to the patients throughout, overseeing their care, collecting and evaluating blood samples, managing adverse events. In so many ways, nursing serves as the backbone of these clinical trials.”

While the protocols for clinical trials vary significantly from one to another, Mount Sinai has established its own set of required quality and safety-driven standards to be met by every trial within the Health System.

“Mount Sinai sets the bar high,” says Ruth Knecht, MSN, RN, Nurse Clinician, The Mount Sinai Hospital. “It boils down to numerous multidisciplinary teams determining: Can we do this in a manner that is safe, maintain the integrity of the study, include all the resources we’ll we need—staffing, education, equipment—and adhere to Mount Sinai’s exacting standards.”

“Standardized workflows are vital,” Ms. Knecht says. “They ensure the consistency, predictability, reliability, and ultimately safety, of our clinical trials. For example, we’ve developed a standard study procedure checklist that must be followed for every study patient, every day. The nurses know exactly what they have to do at every encounter.”

Donna Catamero, NP, DNP-c, OCN, CCRC, left, and Ruth Knecht, MSN, RN

A complementary set of robust Health System-wide policies now applies to each entity throughout the Health System, including those that have the potential to administer aspects of clinical trials in the future.

Jennifer Pouliot, MSN, RN, OCN, Senior Director, Oncology Quality and Safety, Mount Sinai Health System, helped make this complex task a reality. She and her colleagues had a poster about their work accepted for the Oncology Nursing Society’s Annual Congress.

“We worked with an interdisciplinary team from across Mount Sinai to ensure we had crystal clear clinical trial guidelines,” Ms. Pouliot says. “Likewise, if and when we conduct clinical research at any Health System entity, the necessary policies would already be in place and applicable: how Pharmacy prepares the drug being investigated, how we measure nurses’ competency for research trials, etc. It was our job to ensure everyone involved was on the same page and supported at every step.”

The impact of nursing extends beyond completion of a clinical trial. For example, cancer patients who undergo a bone marrow transplant (BMT) also receive chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy. While potentially lifesaving, these treatments can put patients at risk for other health problems post-transplant.

The nurse-led BMT Survivorship Clinic at Mount Sinai offers these patients ongoing health care that is specific to their initial diagnosis—looking for early signs of graft-versus-host disease, secondary cancer, bone thinning, cardiac issues, thyroid function, and others—to enable cancer survivors to live a healthy life.

“In addition to their routine doctor visits, the BMT clinic nurses see patients at key milestones: 3, 6, and 12 months and then annually,” says Rita Jakubowski, DNP, Clinical Program Director and Founder, BMT Survivorship Clinic, The Mount Sinai Hospital. “This creates a critical bridge between the transplant and primary care doctors and offers patients significant peace of mind. We’re educating survivors about this next phase in their journey and ensuring that everyone involved in their care—including the patient—keenly understands what tests are being done, when, and why, and what we need to be especially vigilant about to avoid complications as each BMT patient progresses.”

Dr. Jakubowski’s work has gained widespread attention, and she was invited to present at the national Advanced Practice Providers Oncology Summit, an annual conference designed to highlight the latest evidence-based strategies to optimize care and outcomes for patients with cancer.

In the case of breast cancer patients, medical oncologists provide care for many years, through completion of their antiestrogen treatment. At this four-year mark, patients enter a new phase of their cancer journey and are referred to the Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic.

“Our clinic nurses are in the middle lane of wellness and ensuring full-circle service,” says Jane Weisser, NP, AOM, P-BC, Clinical Program Manager, Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic, Dubin Breast Center. “We operate a robust clinical program that specializes in the breast cancer survivor’s specific needs,” Ms. Weisser says, “including offering survivors a consistent and specialized clinician as their health care lead.”

Ms. Weisser also co-chaired a systemwide survivorship committee that is a cross section of various specialties: medical oncology, surgery, social work, psychiatry, chaplaincy, nutrition, therapeutic massage, and other providers involved in oncology. Her work is spreading throughout the Health System as a high-risk clinic and breast cancer survivorship care will soon be offered at a second site.

The Comprehensive Cancer Center designation of the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center  affirms a relentless dedication by so many—individuals and teams within multiple specialties and sites—to provide high-quality, safe, and innovative cancer care and treatment. And in the end, all of their time, care, attention to detail, and advocacy come together in every moment a patient receives care—always with a Mount Sinai nurse at their side.