Spinal Stenosis Symptoms, Causes And Treatment Options

Spinal stenosis is a physical condition in which the spinal column narrows & begins squeezing the spinal cord. This procedure is usually steady. If the contraction is negligible, no symptoms will take place. However, too much contraction can squeeze the nerves & prompt problems. Stenosis can occur anywhere along the spine. How much of the spine is affected can differ. Spinal stenosis is also known as pseudo-claudication, central spinal stenosis or foraminal spinal stenosis. 

What are the spinal stenosis symptoms?

Symptoms usually develop over time, as nerves become more squeezed. You might experience:

·         Lower back ache while walking or standing

·         Arm or leg weakness

·         Numbness in your buttock or legs

·         Balance issues

·         In severe cases, bowel or bladder dysfunction

                                                                   (Spinal stenosis)

Spinal stenosis causes:

Aging is probably the most typical cause of spinal stenosis. Degenerative processes take place all through your body as it ages. Tissues in your spine may commence to coagulate, and bones may get bigger, squeezing the nerves. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis may also contribute to spinal stenosis. The swelling they source can put strain on your spinal cord. 

                                            (A lumbar corset may help when symptoms persist)

Other conditions that may prompt stenosis encompass:

·         Scoliosis or spinal curvature

·         A naturally thin spinal cord

·         Spine defect present at birth

·         Bone tumors

·         Paget’s disease of the bone

How spinal stenosis is diagnosed?

If you experience the above spinal stenosis symptoms, your physician will start by checking your medical history, doing a physical test, and monitoring your movements. Your physician may order tests to corroborate a suspected diagnosis, for example:

·         MRI Scan, X-ray, or CT scan to view pictures of your spine

·         Bone scan to check out injury or growth in your spine

·         Electromyelogram to check the condition of spinal nerves

Spinal Stenosis Treatment Options:

Pharmaceutical treatment is usually tried first. The objective is to ease out your pain. Cortisone injections into your spinal column can decrease swelling. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also help with pain.

Physical therapy may also be a choice. It can strengthen muscles & gently stretch your body.

Surgery may be required for severe pain or if there’s a neurological loss. It can ease out pressure permanently. Several kinds of surgery are employed to treat spinal stenosis such as Laminectomy, Foraminotomy, and Spinal fusion. 

Conclusion:

A lot of people with spinal stenosis lead full lives & remain active. However, they may require to make changes to their physical activity. Many people experience residual pain after treatment or surgery.