Spinal stenosis causes usually can be traced to degenerative spine conditions related to the aging process, such as osteoarthritis (facet disease) and degenerative disc disease. Traumatic injury, spinal tumors, genetic abnormalities, and other conditions also can produce narrowing of the spinal canal, which surrounds the spinal cord, or the intervertebral foramina, where the nerve roots exit the spinal column. Unfortunately, the development of these conditions cannot be entirely prevented. Most people will experience some level of spinal deterioration as they approach middle age, and that deterioration generally becomes progressively worse over the years. It’s all a natural part of the aging process over decades, during which the anatomical components of the spine are subjected to a great deal of wear and tear. That said, there are ways you might be able to mitigate the underlying causes of spinal stenosis and prevent debilitating symptoms.

How Spinal Stenosis Causes Symptoms

First, a brief explanation of how spinal stenosis causes symptoms. As the body ages, the intervertebral discs begin to lose water content, elasticity, and height. The cartilage that’s lining the joints where vertebrae meet and articulate (facet joints) begins to wear down. These and other age-related changes can begin to adversely affect the overall stability of the spine. Any alterations of the natural S-shaped curve of the spine can reduce the space available for the spinal cord to pass through the vertebral foramen, which is the long opening down the back formed by the stacked vertebrae. In addition, the openings that allow spinal nerve roots to exit the spinal canal can become narrower when spinal stability is reduced. Narrowing of the space available for the spinal cord is called central canal stenosis. Narrowing of the intervertebral foramina is called foraminal stenosis.

Spinal narrowing in and of itself does not necessarily cause chronic symptoms. It’s when the source of the narrowing – a bone spur, shifted vertebra, herniated disc, bulging disc, etc. – comes into contact with the spinal cord or an adjacent nerve root that physical debilitation can occur. This is known as nerve compression, and it can produce symptoms that are classified as radiculopathy – radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the area of the body innervated by the affected nerve. These symptoms can originate at any level of the spine, but spinal stenosis causes generally manifest most frequently in the weight-bearing, extremely mobile lumbar (lower back) region.

How to Slow the Development of Spinal Stenosis

How, then, can someone avoid the pain and other symptoms sometimes associated with spinal stenosis causes? Not surprisingly, it starts with maintaining a common-sense focus on your overall state of health.

One of the primary factors in the development of spinal stenosis is obesity. Excess body weight naturally places excess strain on the spinal anatomy, which can exacerbate the process of deterioration. Exercise, a healthy diet, and allowing yourself to get enough sleep at night are all ways to maintain an acceptable body weight.

In addition, it’s important to practice good posture at work, at play, and even while sleeping. Poor posture habits – slouching over a desk, standing with slumped shoulders, sleeping in awkward positions – are risk factors for the development of degenerative spine conditions. Something as simple as using ergonomic furniture with lumbar support at work can provide a great deal of vital support for the vertebrae, discs, spinal joints, and other anatomical components.

Finally, when performing strenuous tasks or playing sports that require a great deal of bending, twisting, or contact, be sure to prepare the body by stretching and using proper technique. For example, golfers should be sure their swing doesn’t place excess stress on the lower back, and make certain that the muscles of the back are able to support the repetitive motion inherent to a proper golf swing.

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: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Spinal stenosis