Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces within the spine. The narrowing puts pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Most cases of spinal stenosis occur in the neck and the lower back. Some people with spinal stenosis might not experience any symptoms.

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.

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Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Different Types of Spinal Stenosis

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:

Lumbar Stenosis

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 lumbar spinal stenosis surgery.

Cervical Stenosis

In cervical stenosis, the narrowing occurs in the part of the spine located in the neck. Severe cases might require spinal stenosis treatment surgery.

Causes of Spinal Stenosis

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 or 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:

Bone overgrowth

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.

Thickened ligaments

The tough cords that help hold the bones of the spines together are called ligaments. The ligaments can thicken and become stiff over time. The thickened ligaments can bulge in the spinal canal.

Herniated disks

The soft cushions in the vertebrae function as shock absorbers can dry out with age. Any cracks in the disk exterior might cause some soft material to escape and press on the spinal nerves or cords.

Spinal injuries

Vehicle accidents and other trauma can cause 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. Swelling of any nearby tissue after a back surgery might also put pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.

Tumors

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.

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Common Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

While there’s 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.

Lumbar Spine (Lower Back)

Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
Leg or foot weakness
Cramping or pain in one (or both) legs when walking or standing for long periods (pain often eases when sitting or bending forward)
Back pain

Cervical Pain (Neck)

Tingling, weakness, and numbness in the leg, foot, arm, or hand
Problems with balance and walking
Pain in the neck
In severe cases, bladder and bowel dysfunction (incontinence and urinary urgency)

Spinal Stenosis Risk Factors

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 Treatment Options

Treatment options for spinal stenosis will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the location of the stenosis.

Spinal Stenosis Surgery

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.

If spinal stenosis symptoms are mild, the condition may be monitored, and medications and physical therapy may be prescribed.

MicroTube Spine Surgery Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

MicroTube 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. MicroTube Spine Surgery allows access to the site of the narrowing near the spinal cord, 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 MicroTube Spine Surgery by clicking here.