Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces in spine that contain the spinal cord and exiting nerve roots. The stenosis is graded as mild, moderate or severe depending on the amount of narrowing present. Most cases occur in the low back (lumbar spine) however, spinal stenosis can also affect the neck (cervical spine). This narrowing of the spine can compress the nerve roots causing pain, numbness or weakness in your legs or arms. For more information and resources go to: http://www.spine-health.com/video/spinal-stenosis-symptoms-and-diagnosis-video
What causes Spinal Stenosis?
There are several causes for spinal stenosis including:
- Aging: As we age, the ligaments that surround the spine can thicken. Bone spurs can develop and protrude into the spinal canal.The discs that cushion the vertebral bones and facet joints that allow different spinal movements can deteriorate and cause the spaces in the spine to narrow.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to spinal stenosis.
- Hereditary: Congenital spinal stenosis and structural deformities (scoliosis).
- Spondylolisthesis or Instability: If the vertebra slip forward narrowing of the spinal canal or neurforamen may occur.
- Tumors : Can cause vertebra collapse or metastatic spread that can cause spinal narrowing.
What are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis usually results in lower back and leg pain. The gradual progression of stenosis put pressure on and pinches the nerves control muscle function and sensation in the legs. Additional symptoms can include:
- Frequent falls, cramping and "heaviness" in the legs
- Pain and difficulty walking even short distances
- Numbness, tingling, hot or cold sensations in the legs
How is Spinal Stenosis Treated?
Several options exist for treating spinal stenosis. Treatment options include:
- Rest: Pacing your activities, with frequent breaks can allow you to do most of your activities
- Postural Change: Flexing the spine by leaning forward when walking may relieve some of the pain and allow you to walk longer distances
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and naproxen may help by decreasing pressure and swelling around the nerve root.
- Epidural Injections: Cortisone injections into the epidural space can spread around the nerve roots and decrease pressure and swelling around the nerve root.
When is Surgery Required?
More serious cases may require aggressive treatment, which could include surgery. Surgical treatment of spinal stenosis may be indicated for these reasons:
- When surgery may prevent further progression of the stenosis
- When conservative treatment has failed to control symptoms
- To correct or improve persistent numbness or weakness
- To alleviate severe discomfort or fatigue.
Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis
People who develop spinal stenosis may have no prior history of back or leg problems. Back and leg pain may be caused by other conditions special imagining studies may be ordered including:
- An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CAT (computed tomography) scan.