Spinal Stenosis

SPINAL STENOSIS

Spinal stenosis. Narrowing of one or more spaces in your spinal canal is known as spinal stenosis. The tunnel that passes through each of your spine vertebrae is called the spinal canal. Your spinal cord is found there. Your spinal cord and its branching nerves are cramped when there is less room in your spinal cord.

SPINAL STENOSIS

When there is not enough room inside the backbone, spinal stenosis occurs. Nerves that pass through the spine and the spinal cord may be compressed as a result. Most frequently, spinal stenosis occurs in the neck and lower back. Some individuals with spinal stenosis don’t exhibit any symptoms.

Signs

You may have pain, numbness, or tingling in your neck, back, arms, legs, hands, or feet, depending on the location and severity of your spinal stenosis. Weakness.
Typically, spinal stenosis progresses gradually over time. Because of this, even if it appears on X-rays or other imaging tests, you might not have any symptoms for some time. Each person may experience symptoms differently and they may come and go.

The following are signs of lumbar (low back) spinal stenosis:
You have low back pain.
The pain starts in your buttocks and travels down your leg. It might go on into your foot.
cramping in one or both legs as a result of a heavy sensation in your legs.
tingling or numbness in your leg, foot, or buttocks, sometimes known as “pins and needles.”
pain that gets worse when you move, fall, or stand for extended periods of time.
discomfort that subsides when you sit, walk uphill, or lean forward.

Causes

Bone overgrowth: The “wear and tear” disease known as osteoarthritis damages the cartilage in your joints, including your spine. Joints are covered in cartilage, which provides protection. As your cartilage deteriorates, your bones start to grind against one another. Your body produces new bone in response. Overgrowth of bone, or bone spurs, is common. Your spinal canal is constricted and nerves in your spine are pinched by bone spurs that protrude from your vertebrae into it. Overgrowth of bone in the spine is another symptom of Paget’s disease.
Disks that are bulging or herniated: The vertebral disk is a flat, spherical cushioning pad that serves as a shock absorber between each vertebra. The disks may flatten and dry out as you become older.

Ligaments, the bands of fiber that keep your spine together, are thicker. Over time, arthritis may cause ligaments to stiffen and protrude into your spinal canal.
injuries and fractures of the spine: A limited canal space may result from fractured or dislocated bones in your vertebrae or close to your spine. Inflammation from injuries close to the spine can also be problematic.

Treatment

There are numerous ways to treat spinal stenosis. Your best course of action depends on:
the reason.
where the problem is located.
how bad your symptoms are.
Your doctor might first suggest at-home care if your symptoms are not severe. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy, medication, injections, and ultimately surgery if these approaches prove ineffective and your symptoms intensify.

Summary

Your everyday routine may be disrupted by neck and back pain. The good news is that spinal stenosis can be treated in a variety of ways. Discuss your choices with your healthcare practitioner. They are ready to assist.