Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a medical condition affecting one out of 1,000 persons over age 65, which causes constant pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the space within the spinal canal becomes too small to comfortably accommodate the spinal cord. As spaces within the spine begin to narrow with age, the spinal cord and nerve roots become compressed. When this occurs, a person often experiences extreme pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that can cause pain to travel through the spine.

What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?

Symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary based on the location within the body where they are being felt. When the primary symptoms are felt within the back, a person will typically experience lower-back pain that is accompanied by leg cramps. Symptoms are often triggered by standing for long periods of time, walking, or doing strenuous activity. It's common to notice that symptoms begin to subside once you're sitting again.

When spinal stenosis presents in the neck, it's typical for people to experience numbness, tingling in the extremities, and neck pain. Many people also find that they have difficulty staying balanced while walking. It's even possible for issues with bowel and bladder control to be linked with spinal stenosis. Symptoms of spinal stenosis don't always show up right away. Many people live with the condition for years without being bothered by it. Once symptoms begin, they often gradually get worse over time before creating constant pain and discomfort.

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Age is the biggest risk factor for developing spinal stenosis. As we age, thickening and calcification within the spinal ligaments can create a narrowing effect within the spinal canal. While scoliosis and spinal issues may predispose a younger person to develop spinal stenosis, most people who are diagnosed are over age 50. Other common risk factors include bone spurs, wear and tear from arthritis, herniated discs, thicker-than-usual ligaments that push into the spinal canal, spinal injuries or trauma caused by car accidents, bone growth caused by osteoporosis, and tumors within the spinal canal. It's also possible to be born with a narrow spinal canal.

How Is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed and Treated?

Spinal stenosis is typically diagnosed using a patient's medical history, a physical exam, and imaging tests. X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can both be helpful in providing a clear view of the spinal canal. When patients are first diagnosed with spinal stenosis, medications, muscle relaxants, and analgesic injections are often used to manage pain and discomfort. Using special exercises and lumbar supports may also help to provide relief for some patients. If standard methods of managing spinal stenosis pain are not successful, surgery can be recommended. During spinal stenosis surgery, parts of bones or thickened tissue are removed to prevent them from narrowing or squeezing the spine. Spinal fusion may also be recommended for stabilizing the spine.

If you are suffering from pain or discomfort caused by spinal stenosis, there is hope. Call or book an appointment with our team at Premier NeuroSpine Institute today. Our experienced providers will work with you to determine an appropriate course of treatment so you can enjoy better health and a higher quality of life.