Overview
The narrowing of one or more spinal canal spaces is known as spinal stenosis. The tunnel that passes through each vertebra in your spine is called your spinal canal. Your spinal cord is located there. Your spinal cord and the nerves that emerge from it (nerve roots) are cramped when there is less room in your spinal canal.
A constricted area may irritate, compress, or pinch your spinal cord or nerves. Back pain and other nerve problems may result from this.
Two parts of your spine are most frequently affected by the condition: Lower back (lumbar spinal stenosis): The five vertebrae that make up your lumbar spine are located in your lower back. The largest vertebrae in your entire spine are the lumbar vertebrae, also referred to as L1 through L5.
When the space inside the backbone is too tiny, spinal stenosis occurs. The spinal cord and nerves that pass through the spine may be compressed as a result. The neck and lower back are the most common locations for spinal stenosis.
Some spinal stenosis sufferers don’t exhibit any symptoms. Others might feel numbness, tingling, discomfort, and weakening in their muscles. Over time, the symptoms may worsen. The most frequent cause of spinal stenosis is arthritis-related wear and tear on the spine. Individuals with severe spinal stenosis can require surgery.
More room inside the spine can be created through surgery. This can alleviate the symptoms brought on by pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. However, since arthritis cannot be cured by surgery, spinal arthritis discomfort may persist.
Cause
Degenerative changes in the lower back are typically a result of aging naturally.
- These alterations can occasionally result in “central stenosis,” which is a partial constriction, or “stenosis,” of the central canal, the nerve tunnel inside the spine.
- Others experience “foraminal stenosis,” a little different type of constriction to the smaller side tunnels with the spine.
Signs and symptoms
Many times, spinal stenosis has no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they begin gradually and worsen with time. The affected part of the spine determines the symptoms.
In the lower back
Spinal stenosis in the lower back can cause pain or cramping in one or both legs. This happens when you stand for a long time or when you stroll. Sitting or bending forward relieves symptoms. Some folks also suffer back pain.
Around the neck Neck spinal stenosis can result in:
- numbness.
- Weakness or tingling in an arm, foot, leg, or hand.
- issues with balance and walking.
- discomfort in the neck.
- issues relating to the bladder or colon.
Tests and Exams
Your doctor will try to locate the discomfort and find out how it impacts your movement during a physical examination. You’ll be required to:
- Walk, stand, and sit. You might be asked to walk on your toes and then your heels by your healthcare practitioner.
- Bend sideways, front, and backward. These motions may exacerbate your pain.
- While lying down, raise your legs straight up. You might have sciatica if this makes the discomfort worse.
- Leg weakness and loss of sensation are confirmed by a neurologic (brain and nervous system) test. You might be subjected to the following tests:
- An X-ray of the spine or a spinal MRI or CT scan
- EMG, or electromyography
What is the treatment for spinal stenosis?
Your overall health and the intensity of your symptoms will determine how you are treated.
- Physiotherapy and painkillers can help reduce discomfort. Your physician might suggest giving you a back injection of steroid medication or a local anesthetic. A brace may be advised by your physiotherapist, depending on the location of the stenosis.
- Your doctor could suggest surgery if your symptoms worsen or if no other therapies are effective. To make more room and relieve pressure on the nerves, a laminectomy procedure removes a portion of the vertebra (spinal bone). Fusion, or fusing two bones together, is sometimes used in surgery to increase stability.