Spinal Stenosis is a condition where the space inside the spinal cord becomes too narrow, creating pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Most of the time, this problem usually troubles areas like the neck and lower back, limiting your movement and causing discomfort. There are several causes of this condition, and the symptoms may vary depending on the part of the spine that has been affected.
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
This condition is caused by diverse reasons, and can be developed by anyone, no matter the age, although is more common among older people, it can also be present in younger people, if it is caused by an injury to the spine, or in case of a congenital condition, which is less frequent. Some causes for spinal stenosis are:
Osteoarthritis
The wear-and-tear that comes when cartilage wears away, causing friction between the bones that leads to bone spurs or overgrowth of bone, narrowing the spinal canal. This could also be caused by Paget’s disease of bone.
Herniated Disks
Disks are flat and round cushion pads, placed between each vertebra to act as shock absorbers. These disks can dry out and flatten as you age, or even crack, causing part of the disk to leak out, which can lead to pressure in the spinal cord or nerves.
Thick Ligaments
These strong fiber bands that have a role in holding the bones and spine together can become stiff and thicken, pushing into the spinal canal. This could be produced by Arthritis.
Tumors
Sometimes tumors form in the spinal cord, between the spinal cords, or even the vertebrae, causing your spinal canal to become narrower.
Fractures and Injuries
Trauma, broken bones, dislocated bones, among other injuries in your vertebrae, can cause inflammation that would put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to other issues in your spine.
Congenital
Congenital causes of spinal stenosis include:
- Problems with spinal formation during fetal development
- Genetic conditions that affect bone growth
- Inherited or genetic conditions that cause genetic mutations
Also, people with scoliosis and other spinal problems might be at higher risk of suffering spinal stenosis, even if they are young.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Some people with spinal stenosis don’t suffer from any pain or discomfort whatsoever, while for others, symptoms develop and progress slowly, these symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the spinal stenosis, as well as the area affected by it.
The most common affected areas and their symptoms are:
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
- Pain the lower back
- Pain or cramping in one or both legs, that could continue to the foot
- Burning pain in the legs that worsens when standing or walking
- Weakness in legs and feet
- Numbness, tingling or cramping in legs and feet
- Discomfort while standing or walking that gets better when leaning forward or sit
Cervical spinal stenosis
- Neck pain
- Weakness in arms, hands, legs or feet
- Numbness or tingling in one or both arms, hands, and even legs and feet
- Issues with walking and balance
- Reduced function in hands
- Problems when writing or buttoning shirts
Treat Your Spinal Stenosis
At University Pain & Spine Center, we offer a variety of treatments for spinal stenosis, that can go from pain-relieving medication to spinal decompression surgery, the treatment depends on the severity of your condition, and your symptoms.
Our team provides comprehensive evaluation, including a review of your symptoms, and imaging studies to pinpoint the location and severity of your spinal stenosis, and provides a personalized treatment based on your diagnosis, the severity of your condition, and your symptoms.
We believe you deserve lasting solutions that restore movement, comfort and quality of life. Our pain management experts are committed to helping patients find relief and regain control of their everyday lives, contact us and schedule a consultation to start your recovery process.