Spinal stenosis symptoms can be difficult to recognize, because they often resemble symptoms associated with other conditions. The leading cause of back or neck pain in people of all ages is a strained muscle or a sprained ligament. These can arise a number of ways, including sudden, sharp movement. Sleeping with the neck or back at an awkward angle also can cause pain related to a damaged muscle or ligament. In most cases, this type of pain is considered acute, which means its presence is caused by an identifiable event – a car accident or violent contact during physical activity, for example – and it can be expected to fade within a defined amount of time (usually less than three months).

Spinal Stenosis and Chronic Symptoms

Spinal stenosis, on the other hand, is normally caused by a degenerative spine condition related to the aging process, a spinal tumor, a congenital birth defect, or a traumatic injury that affects the alignment of the vertebrae. Stenosis is Greek for “narrowing,” and the term spinal stenosis is used to refer to narrowing of the space available for the spinal cord (canal stenosis) or the passages between vertebrae where nerve roots exit the spinal canal (foraminal stenosis). People with conditions such as spinal osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease are at risk for developing spinal stenosis. This, however, does not necessarily mean they will develop symptoms.

Many of the anatomical abnormalities associated with degenerative spine conditions produce no symptoms at all in their initial stages. For instance, the presence of osteoarthritis – deterioration of cartilage that lines the vertebral joints – can lead to the development of bone spurs as the body attempts to adjust to a reduction in spinal stability. While bone spurs, or osteophytes, might produce a “crackling” sound when the neck or back moves, pain and other symptoms are not always present. That said, a bone spur that grows large enough to seriously infringe upon the space available for a nerve root might produce compression. This, in turn, can cause pain to radiate along the length of a nerve, tingling or numbness in the extremities, and/or weakness in a muscle group innervated by the affected nerve.

What to Do About Spinal Stenosis Symptoms

If nerve-related symptoms persist for more than three months, they are considered chronic. Because back or neck pain and other symptoms caused by spinal stenosis can originate from a number of different underlying causes, only a doctor or spine specialist can make an accurate diagnosis. Most people are able to recognize, however, when potential spinal stenosis symptoms have become a major problem. If you miss work because of back or neck pain, if you have difficulty sleeping, or if you notice that your gait has changed because of your symptoms, it’s probably time to see a doctor.

Before your doctor’s appointment and examination, take a moment to assess your symptoms. Write down information that may be useful for the physician, including the location of the symptoms and certain activities that give rise to more severe pain. Your doctor will rely on you to provide as much information as possible, using that and a battery of medical tests – including range of motion, reflexes, and medical imaging – to determine whether spinal stenosis is present.

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