In most cases, spinal stenosis causes symptoms only when there is either intermittent or sustained pressure placed upon the spinal cord or a nerve root. This is a general statement only, because there are instances in which the narrowing of an opening in the spinal column might produce pain and/or stiffness. Typically, however, the truly debilitating symptoms of spinal stenosis are related to nerve compression. These symptoms can include localized pain, radiating pain, tingling, numbness, and/or muscle weakness.

The area of the body affected by the symptoms depends on the location of the spinal stenosis. For example, nerve compression within the cervical (neck) region can produce symptoms in the neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. In the lumbar spine, spinal stenosis causes symptoms in the lower back, buttocks, legs, feet, and toes.

The Anatomy of Spinal Stenosis

When spinal stenosis causes symptoms to develop, there normally is a gradual buildup in severity from mild to potentially debilitating. Not everyone will experience this gradual intensification of symptoms. Much depends on the overall physical health of the individual, as well as the severity of the underlying cause of the spinal narrowing. But what causes spinal stenosis to develop in the first place? One potential origin is traumatic injury, as can occur in a car accident or a bad fall. In most cases, though, the narrowing of the channels within the spine can be blamed on age-related deterioration of the spinal anatomy. Here is a list of anatomical abnormalities that can arise as a result of degenerative spine conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease:

– Bulging disc – The cartilaginous outer wall of one of the spine’s shock absorbers (an intervertebral disc) begins to protrude beyond its normal boundary.

– Herniated disc – The gel-like nucleus of an intervertebral disc seeps through a tear in the outer wall and into the spinal canal.

– Osteophyte – This excess protrusion of bony material grows along the edges of existing bone, near a deteriorating joint. It is the body’s response to a reduction in spinal stability, as may occur when osteoarthritis begins to affect the cartilage that lines and lubricates the hinge-like structures (facet joints) where vertebrae meet and articulate.

In addition, ossification or calcification of spinal ligaments might begin to restrict the channels within the spine where the spinal cord and nerve roots are housed. Ligament-related spinal stenosis may be exacerbated during extension (holding the back straight up), when the inelastic ligamental tissue “bunches” up rather than the smooth shape the ligaments have when the spine is bent forward.

Treating Spinal Stenosis

Once spinal stenosis causes the first hint of pain and other symptoms, it is important to consult with a doctor to determine the origin and severity of the underlying spine condition that’s causing the channels within the spine to narrow. After a diagnosis has been confirmed, the patient and doctor will work closely to develop a course of treatment. In most cases, surgery for spinal stenosis is the last resort. Typically, pain and other symptoms can be managed using a regimen of conservative treatment, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), exercise, stretching, physical therapy, behavior modification training, and other nonsurgical methods.

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.

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 other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/spinal_stenosis

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