Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a fairly common condition. It is when there is narrowing of one or more spaces within your spinal canal. This narrowing of the spinal canal cramps the spinal cord and nerves that branch off which can cause pain. It is common for people over the age of fifty because it is caused by degenerative spinal changes. Spinal stenosis can affect anywhere on the spine but is most common in two places. The lower back or the lumbar spine, or by the neck or the cervical spine. Lumbar spinal stenosis affects the lumbar spine which is made up of 5 vertebrae in the lower back. The cervical spinal stenosis is made up of seven vertebrae in your neck.

Causes

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the gradual wear and tear of your joints over time. Other causes are narrow spinal canal, spinal tumor, injury to the spine, certain bone diseases, a past surgery on the spine, rheumatoid arthritis, or a herniated disk. These are all acquired causes meaning that they happen after birth. Congenital causes only affect about 9% of cases for spinal stenosis. These occur at birth. These are usually caused by spine formation issues or genetic conditions.

Symptoms

Spinal stenosis develops slowly. You may not have symptoms for a really long time. Symptoms may start out as mild then become increasingly worse over time. Symptoms can come and go with spinal stenosis. Pain may feel dull and achy, or may feel electric or shooting pain with certain movements. You can expect to feel pain, tingling, or weakness in your neck, back, arms, legs, hands, or feet with spinal stenosis. Where your symptoms are can depend on where your spinal stenosis is located. Either in your lumbar spine or your cervical spine. Lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms include pain in lower back, pain in buttocks that radiates down one leg, a heavy feeling in the legs, numbness in the the legs and feet, pain that worsens while standing for a long time or walking, and pain that lessens with sitting or leaning forward. Cervical spinal stenosis symptoms are neck pain, numbness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, weakness or clumsiness, balance problems, and decreased fine motor movements with your hands.

Diagnosis

There are a few imaging procedures your doctor can do to diagnose spinal stenosis. An X-ray can be done to show any bone changes. An MRI is one of the main options to help detect damage to discs and ligaments. An MRI can also show tumors. An MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to produce images of your spine. A CT can be used when an MRI cannot be used. You may not be able to use an MRI if you have metallic implants, are claustrophobic, or the procedure is too long for you to endure. A CT scan combines X-ray images that are taken from many different angles. It can help see herniated discs, bone spurs, or tumors.

Treatment

There are lots of different treatment options. Treatment will depend on the cause of your spinal stenosis, the location, and the severity of your symptoms. If your pain is mild your doctor may suggest trying at home remedies before doing more serious treatment plans. At home remedies can be applying heat to where there is pain, applying cold, or exercising. Exercising can help alleviate pain as well as build strength in your body which can help stabilize your spine.

Nonsurgical treatment options that your doctor may suggest if pain is getting worse are oral medications. These may be NSAIDs or muscle relaxants. Speak with your doctor about prolonged NSAID use and the side effects they can have on you long term. Physical therapy can help with back strength and core strength which can help with stabilizing your spine and helping your spine become more resilient. Steroid injections are another treatment option. The injection is done in the space around the pinched nerves. This can help reduce inflammation, pain, or irritation.

Surgery treatments are done as a last cause. Most cases patients with spinal stenosis will not usually have to have surgery. Other treatment options usually work. If other treatments don’t work your doctor may suggest one of these types of surgeries. Surgeries that can help with spinal stenosis are a laminectomy, or decompression surgery, laminotomy, laminoplasty, foraminotomy, an interspinous process spacer, or a spinal fusion.

Takeaway

Spinal stenosis can cause serious pain to some people. Spinal stenosis can happen anywhere on the spine but the two most common are your lumbar spine or your cervical spine. Spinal stenosis can cause back pain, pain in your neck, and numbness in your extremities. This condition is caused by degenerative spinal changes. Spinal stenosis can be acquired or congenital. Treatment options can usually ease pain and allow you to have a normal quality of life. Finding a treatment plan for you will depend on the location, cause, and severity of your symptoms.