Spinal stenosis, or the narrowing of the spinal canal, is a common condition usually associated with aging. Osteoarthritis, or the breakdown of cartilage in joints, is also believed to be directly linked to aging. Since both conditions are essentially caused by the natural aging process, one might wonder, is there a link between the two?

Essentially, the answer to this question is, “Yes.” When osteoarthritis is diagnosed in the spine, a main side effect of the condition is the formation of bone spurs. Eventually, bone spurs can crowd the tiny spaces within the spinal column, and this crowding – or narrowing – of passageways is called spinal stenosis.

What Are Bone Spurs (Osteophytes) and How Do They Form?

Osteophytes, or bone spurs, are segments of extra bone that can grow anywhere on the skeleton. These growths occur for various reasons, but most often because there is friction or pressure being placed on a bone’s surface, and the body grows extra bone in an attempt to strengthen the stressed area.

In individuals with osteoarthritis, bone spurs located on or near the spinal joints are quite common. The spinal column – which consists of a long procession of stacked vertebrae – has joint surfaces located in between the vertebrae, which give the spine its ability to move and flex. These joints are called facet joints and are lined with cartilage and a synovial membrane, allowing the spine a smooth and flexible range of motion. As osteoarthritis sets in, this lining begins to dehydrate, becomes less flexible, and wears away, which can lead to inflammation, tenderness, stiffness, and pain.

The exposed facet joint surfaces may begin to rub against each other, and this rubbing might also cause the formation of bone spurs. As mentioned previously, spinal stenosis can occur if one or more bone spurs extend into the spinal canal. Additionally, if an osteophyte compresses the spinal cord or a nearby nerve root, sharp pains can develop at the site of compression. Symptoms of pain, weakness, tingling, and numbness might also affect the extremities, depending on the bone spur’s location in the spine.

Treatments

Conservative, nonsurgical methods such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and hot or cold therapy are usually successful at alleviating symptoms of spinal stenosis caused by osteoarthritis. However, surgery to remove bone spurs might be required, if conservative methods are unable to alleviate nerve compression pain.

In Conclusion

Spinal stenosis is a potentially serious condition that requires treatment by a licensed health care provider. Before you try any treatments for this condition – especially medications, dietary changes, exercise, or stretching – make sure to consult with your physician. In addition to your primary care physician, there are several specialists you can consult with about your spinal stenosis, such as an orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, and physical therapist. If you experience difficulty walking, or a loss of urinary or bowel control, this could be a sign of a life-threatening condition called cauda equina syndrome and you should seek immediate emergency care.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal stenosis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Spinal stenosis