Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a common condition that occurs when spaces in the spinal canal narrow and create pressure, “pinching” the spinal cord and nerve root. This can result in pain, cramping, weakness and numbness in the lower back (lumbar stenosis) and the neck (cervical stenosis), or less often, in the shoulder and arms.
The condition is caused by osteoarthritis of the spinal column and discs between the vertebrae. Other causes include a thickening of the ligaments in the back, bulging of the discs in the vertebrae, tumors, and spinal injuries.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the nerves that are affected:
- Numbness, weakness or tingling in the hand, arm, foot or leg
- Problems with walking and maintaining balance
- Neck pain
- In severe cases, bowel or bladder dysfunction (urinary urgency and incontinence)
- Pain or cramping in one or both legs
- Back pain
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is made by a thorough evaluation by a neurologist, and includes a physical evaluation, review of symptoms, as well as diagnostic testing including X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, and electromyogram (EMG).
Treatment options for spinal stenosis include:
- Oral pain relief medications
- Steroid injections
- In some cases, surgery
Preventive Treatment
Some people with spinal stenosis may not experience symptoms. Spinal stenosis can worsen over time and can cause permanent feeling of numbness, weakness, balance problems, incontinence, and paralysis.
The risk of developing spinal stenosis increases if you
- Were born with a narrow spinal canal
- Are a female
- Are over 50 years old
- Had previous injury or surgery of the spine
Or if you have medical conditions including:
- Osteoarthritis and bony spurs that form with age
- Inflammatory spondyloarthritis (ex: ankylosing spondylitis)
- Spinal tumors
- Paget’s Disease (osteitis deformans)
To learn more or to request an appointment with the specialists at Cayman Neurology and Pain Management, call 1 (345) 769-5592
or click on the link below.
