What causes spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis means that you have an abnormal narrowing of each of the essential spaces between your vertebrae, which puts pressure on your nerves. While this condition most commonly affects your lower back — lumbar stenosis — and neck — cervical stenosis — you can certainly have it anywhere along your spine.
In some cases, you can develop spinal stenosis during fetal development. Usually though, spinal stenosis stems from the following issues:
- Herniated discs
- Osteoarthritis
- Thickened ligaments
- Spinal cord tumors
- Trauma, including whiplash
You can develop spinal stenosis at any age, although it’s most common among men and women over age 50.
Are there symptoms of spinal stenosis?
Yes, although not everyone with spinal stenosis has symptoms. If you start experiencing issues related to spinal stenosis, the symptoms you experience will depend on where your nerve is pinched, as described below.
Lumbar stenosis
Lumbar, or lower back stenosis, can lead to symptoms in the lower part of your body, including back pain. It’s common to experience numbness, cramping, or tingling down one leg and possibly into your foot. In some cases, your leg can become weak and may feel like it’s going to give way.
Cervical stenosis
Cervical stenosis in your neck tends to lead to symptoms in the upper half of your body, although it can also lead to leg and foot pain as well. With this type of stenosis, you’re more likely to experience numbness, weakness, or tingling down your arm and into your hand.
It’s also common to have neck pain and poor balance. While less common, if cervical stenosis progresses or is left untreated, it can lead to bowel or bladder dysfunction, too.
What is the treatment for spinal stenosis?
The pain specialists at Metro Pain and Vein Centers offer the most advanced therapeutic solutions for spinal stenosis, so you can get relief starting with your first appointment. Some of the most effective solutions include:
- Stellate ganglion or nerve block injections
- Epidural injections
- Steroid injections
- Lumbar decompression
Because it’s common for spinal stenosis pain sufferers to become less active due to the chronic discomfort, your dedicated practitioner may also teach you stretches and exercises to improve your balance and build up your strength. Your spinal stenosis plan will be tailored entirely to you based on your symptoms and lifestyle.
Before your spinal stenosis discomfort worsens, schedule an evaluation at Metro Pain and Vein Centers online or over the phone today.
