Some individuals with spinal stenosis might experience no symptoms from their spinal stenosis. On the other hand, others might experience the condition’s classic symptoms, including tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and pain. Unfortunately, the symptoms might worsen over time. One of the most common causes of spinal stenosis is wear-and-tear in the spine secondary to osteoarthritis.
Severe cases of the condition may require spinal stenosis surgery, which involves creating additional space for the nerves or spinal cord. For mild cases, spinal stenosis treatments using medication and physical therapy will suffice.
Spinal stenosis is a medical condition characterized by a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause a variety of symptoms, such as back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Spinal stenosis can occur in any part of the spine, but it most commonly affects the neck (cervical) and lower back (lumbar) regions.
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is the natural aging process, which can lead to degenerative changes in the spine, including the growth of bone spurs and thickened ligaments that narrow the spinal canal. Other causes of spinal stenosis can include spinal injuries, herniated discs, and tumors.
Treatment options for spinal stenosis vary depending on the severity of the condition and the location of the narrowing. Conservative treatment measures may include rest, physical therapy, pain medication, and corticosteroid injections. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Prevention measures for spinal stenosis include maintaining good posture, regular exercise, and avoiding activities that place excessive stress on the spine. If you experience symptoms of spinal stenosis, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and appropriate treatment options. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further nerve damage and improve outcomes.
The different types of spinal stenosis are classified based on where on the spine the condition develops. Having more than one type of spinal stenosis is possible. The two primary types of spinal stenosis are the following:
The narrowing occurs in the lower part of the spine located in the lower back in lumbar stenosis. This is the most prevalent type of spinal stenosis and might require spinal stenosis surgery.
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In cervical stenosis, the narrowing occurs in the part of the spine located in the neck. Severe cases might require spinal stenosis treatment surgery.
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The spine (or the backbone) runs from the neck to the lower back. The bones of the spine form the spinal canal that protects the nerves and the spinal cord. While some people are born with a small spinal canal, most cases of spinal stenosis occur when something causes the open space within the spine to narrow down. Common causes of spinal stenosis include:
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Wear and tear damage secondary to osteoarthritis might cause bone spurs to form and grow into the spinal canal. A bone disease known as Paget’s disease also causes bone overgrowths in the spine.
The soft cushions in the vertebrae function as shock absorbers that can dry out with age. Any cracks in the disc exterior might cause some soft material to escape and press on the spinal nerves or cords.
Abnormal growths can form within the spinal cord’s membranes, inside the spinal cord itself, or in the spaces between the vertebrae and the spinal cord.
The tough cords that help hold the bones of the spine together are called ligaments. The ligaments can thicken and become stiff over time. The thickened ligaments can bulge in the spinal canal.
Vehicle accidents and other trauma can cause disc herniation, fractures, and dislocations of one (or more) vertebrae. Displaced bone resulting from spinal fracture may also cause damage to the contents of the spinal canal.
While there can be evidence of spinal stenosis on CT scans or MRIs, many people don’t experience symptoms. Typically, symptoms of spinal stenosis develop gradually and worsen over time. Symptoms can also vary from one person to another and will often depend on the nerves affected and the location of the stenosis.
Most people who suffer from spinal stenosis are over 50 years old. While degenerative changes can cause spinal stenosis in young people, other causes need to be considered. Other possible causes include genetic conditions that affect the bone, trauma and congenital spinal deformities like scoliosis.
Spinal stenosis surgery can help reopen the spinal canal when it becomes narrow due to bone spurs, arthritis, and other problems. However, other treatment options might be considered before resorting to surgery for spinal stenosis.
If spinal stenosis symptoms are mild, the condition may be monitored, and the doctor may prescribe medications and physical therapy.
MicroTubeTM Spine Surgery uses a minimalistic approach to treat and address the cause of the condition. Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces that surround the nerves or the spinal cord. The narrowing can affect the exits of the nerve roots, the lateral recess, and the central canal. MicroTubeTM Spine Surgery allows access to the site of the narrowing, so the cause of the stenosis may be treated.
Symptoms of the condition will depend on where the stenosis is. Spinal stenosis can result in sciatica or radiculopathy, back pain, and neurogenic claudication. Stenosis can be acquired or congenital. Acquired stenosis can be caused by the thickening of the facet joints and the ligament and disc herniation. Learn more about the benefits of MicroTubeTM Spine Surgery by clicking here.
