The narrowing of the spinal canal produces pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in spinal stenosis. Discomfort, numbness, and weakness may occur in the affected areas. To provide an accurate diagnosis and administer appropriate treatment, knowledge of this ailment is essential. Individuals can learn about this ailment and its treatment options by delving into the root reasons, learning to recognize the frequent symptoms, and researching the many therapy options.
Definition
The narrowing of one or more areas within your spine is known as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is defined as an unusually narrow space in the spinal column. As a result, the spinal cord and nerves that go through the spine may get compressed.
Causes
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Spinal osteoarthritis
When the smooth cartilage covering the facet joints begins to deteriorate, bones begin to rub against each other, which can result in the creation of aberrant bone growth known as osteophytes or bone spurs. The ensuing inflammation and osteophyte production may contribute to foramina constriction.
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Degenerative disc disease
Degenerative disc disease is a type of disc disease. When discs lose moisture and flatten, the intervertebral foramina constrict as well. A bulging disc can also begin to intrude into the spinal canal.
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Ligament thickening or buckling
Ligaments in the spinal canal can ossify (thicken and harden) and intrude on the spinal cord or neighboring spinal nerves.
Symptoms
When spinal stenosis first begins to develop, you could or might not have any symptoms. The process of the spinal canal becoming narrower often takes its time and gets worse over the course of time.
Most people with spinal stenosis are over 50 years old. Although degenerative changes can cause spinal stenosis in younger people, it is necessary to consider other causes.
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Lumbar spinal stenosis
Compression of the spinal nerves in the lumbar spinal canal (the cauda equina) can cause cauda equina syndrome. The most common symptom of spinal stenosis is neurogenic claudication, in which there is pain in the legs that worsens with walking and upright posture and is reduced by leaning the body forward.
Diagnosis
A reliable diagnosis of spinal stenosis normally involves the completion of a three-step process, which includes the following:
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Medical history
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An examination of the body
When examining the spine, a qualified medical expert will look at and palpate the area, such as around the neck or the lower back.
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Medical imaging
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MRI
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CT
Treatment
The intensity of your symptoms and the area of your spine affected by spinal stenosis will determine the course of treatment.
The illness can be monitored with periodic visits to the doctor if there are no severe symptoms or complications. The doctor can also suggest measures to follow at home. If this does not help, medication or physical therapy may be prescribed. If none of the treatments help, surgery may be an option.
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Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications can be used temporarily until the pain caused by spinal stenosis is relieved. Short-term use is usually recommended.
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Chiropractic care
Strength training, flexibility work, and stability drills can all help alleviate symptoms and delay or prevent the need for surgical intervention.
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Spinal Injections of Corticosteroids
Pain can be temporarily alleviated by injecting the afflicted area with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Surgical Options
Surgery is considered if other forms of treatment have not brought improvement.
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Laminectomy
This procedure removes the back part (lamina) of the affected vertebra. Laminectomy is sometimes called decompression surgery, because it relieves pressure on the nerves by creating more space around them. In some cases, that vertebra must be connected to the adjacent vertebrae with metal connections and bone graft (spinal fusion) to maintain the strength of the spine.
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Laminotomy
This procedure removes only part of the lamina, usually by making a hole large enough to relieve pressure in a specific area.
Lifestyle and Preventative Measures
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Exercise
To keep your spine strong, flexible, and healthy in general, you should engage in regular low-impact sports like swimming or cycling.
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Anatomy and Mechanics of Posture
Reduce stress on your spine by maintaining proper posture and mechanics as you go about your day.
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Mental Well-being
Take care of your mental health by partaking in activities that bring you joy, learning and applying ways to manage stress, and consulting a mental health expert when necessary.
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Support Groups
The social and emotional benefits of joining a support group or community online or in person cannot be overstated when one is going through a difficult time.
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Maintaining a normal body weight
The goal is to maintain a normal-healthy body weight. Losing excess body weight can reduce pressure on the lumbar part of the back, and therefore pain.
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Your Doctor
Have regular checkups and screenings performed by your doctor to keep track of any changes in your spinal health.
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Adjustments to a new way of living
It may be possible to ease symptoms and enhance one's quality of life by making the required adjustments to one's everyday activities, such as by employing assistive equipment or implementing changes that are more ergonomic.
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