Simply put, there are no definitive symptoms of spinal stenosis. Some people will go their entire lives living with spinal stenosis without ever knowing it. Others may suffer from the chronic pain of spinal stenosis from a fairly early age until they undergo a surgical procedure. Because so much of what an individual feels is based on the severity, type, and location of their spinal stenosis, it’s very difficult to provide a perfect list of symptoms. However, there are some indications that your back pain could be something more serious than a strained muscle, and there are some signs to look for that indicate it may be time to consult your physician.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are a number of degenerative spine conditions that can be associated with or aggravate spinal stenosis, as well as a variety of risk factors than can increase the rate at which spinal stenosis develops. The most common cause and risk factor of spinal stenosis is the natural aging process. As the spinal column ages, the discs, vertebrae, ligaments, muscles, and other tissues that compose the spine deteriorate. Some of the medical conditions that may arise in an aging spine include:

– Osteoarthritis

– Bone spurs

– Bulging discs

– Herniated discs

– Hardened or enlarged ligaments

– Other conditions like spinal tumors or bone diseases

All of these conditions can lead to tissue, bone matter, or disc material entering the spinal canal and placing pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root. Some of these conditions can naturally occur over time, but others may also be the result of direct trauma to the spine. Auto accidents, trauma from aggressive sports, or the repetition of mechanical movements can put direct pressure on the spinal anatomy, causing a problematic condition like spinal stenosis to arise.

Disc and spinal anatomy degeneration can also be increased by certain risk factors. Inherited traits certainly play a part in the development of some degenerative spine conditions that may lead to spinal stenosis. Obesity and inactivity can also put more pressure on the spine and increase an individual’s chances of developing problematic spinal conditions. Daily factors like smoking and poor posture can contribute to the accelerated deterioration of the intervertebral discs and other components of the spine as well.

Symptoms

Symptoms of spinal stenosis largely depend on the location of the constriction of the spinal canal. There is usually some pain around the initial area affected by the spinal condition, but it may travel to the extremities as well. Nerve roots that extend from the spinal column branch out to carry sensory messages throughout the body. If the constriction of the spinal cord or nerve root occurs in upper, or cervical, portion of the spine, then individuals may feel pain through their shoulders and upper extremities – or in some cases, may have difficulty walking. For spinal stenosis in the lower, or lumbar, section of the spine, pain can carry through the hips and buttocks and into the legs. Some examples of these symptoms include:

– An inability to distinguish between hot or cold

– Sharp and ongoing pain that gets worse at night

– Difficulty walking or a change in gait, which could be the sign of a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment

– Pain that continues during inactivity

– Pain that radiates the length of a compressed nerve

– Tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in a particular location

Just because you are experiencing some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean your condition is as serious as spinal stenosis. Injuries of the muscles or ligaments often have symptoms that resemble those of a more serious condition like spinal stenosis, so remember that only a doctor can properly diagnose whatever is causing your symptoms.

Treatments

Once a physician has reached a spinal stenosis diagnosis, there are a number of more conservative treatments they may suggest to relieve some of the symptoms. Physical therapy, pain medicines, and steroid injections all loosen up or strengthen muscles and ligaments in the back, which may relieve some of the pressure being placed on nerve tissue in the spine. Also, lifestyle changes like losing weight, participating in low-impact exercises like swimming and walking, or cutting out smoking and drinking alcohol can improve chronic pain from spinal stenosis. If these more conservative treatments don’t provide initial relief, a physician may suggest a surgical procedure.

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