Spinal Stenosis: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Spinal stenosis is a condition that reduces the size of your spinal canal and creates pressure on your nerves, but there are treatment options available to cure it!

Did you know? Degenerative changes of the spine are seen in up to 95% of people by the age of 50. Spinal stenosis most often occurs in adults over 60. That is a pretty high number, and a lot of them do not even know they have it! With the right diagnosis and management and the right doctor, you will be back to living your best life in no time.

Let’s discuss everything you need to know about stenosis, including its symptoms, signs, possible causes, and different types of treatment.

Understanding Stenosis and Its Types

What is stenosis? It is a medical term for “narrowing.” This narrowing occurs in the spine and can result in spinal nerve compression, pain, and numbness.

The spine is divided into several segments, so stenosis can occur in: 

1. Cervical Spinal Stenosis 

This occurs in the neck region. Narrowing occurs in the cervical spinal canal.

2. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis 

This occurs in the lumbar or lower back region. It is the most common type and results in lumbar stenosis symptoms like leg pain or numbness. 

3. Thoracic Spinal Stenosis 

This is the rarest form of stenosis and occurs in the middle portion of your back.

Spinal Stenosis Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

The signs can vary by area of stenosis:

Symptoms of Cervical Stenosis (Neck Area) 

• Tingling or numbness in hands, arms, or legs 
• Difficulty walking or with balance 
• Weakness in limbs 
• Neck pain

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Symptoms (Lower Back)

• Pain or cramping in the legs when walking
• Tingling in the feet or buttocks
• Weakness in the legs
• Relief when seated or bending forward

Common General Symptoms

• Back pain that is worse with motion
• Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
• Potentially, loss of bowel or bladder control in severe cases.

These surely indicate that you should obtain medical help sooner rather than later. Contact the best spine specialist in Hyderabad as soon as possible to avoid complications.

What Are the Causes of Stenosis?

Curious what stenosis is caused by? Here are the causes of stenosis:

Primary Causes

• Osteoarthritis: Most common in older adults.
• Herniated discs: Pressure on the spinal nerves.
• Thickened ligaments: Tight ligaments that are pressing on nerves.
• Spinal injury or trauma.

Secondary Causes

• Congenital spinal deformities.
• Tumours.
• Paget’s disease of the bone.

Types of Stenosis Based on Spinal Location

Here’s a quick comparison table to understand better:

How Is Stenosis Diagnosed?

Your physician may do:

• Physical examination
• MRI or CT scans of the spinal canal
• X-rays to check for indications of a gap in your spine or some bone outgrowths
• Electromyography (EMG) to test how well your nerves are functioning

Finding your stenosis early on is important to begin appropriate spinal stenosis treatment.

Effective Treatment Options for Stenosis

Options for stenosis treatment are dependent on the severity of the condition.

1. Non-Surgical Treatments 

• Physical therapy: Strengthens surrounding muscles  
• Medications: Pain medications and anti-inflammatories    
• Steroid injections: Decrease swelling    
• Bracing: Assist when moving       

2. Surgical treatment

If symptoms persist: 

• Laminectomy: Remove part of the bone to relieve pressure on the nerves   
• Foraminotomy: Widens openings to prevent nerve damage  
• Spinal fusion: Joins to vertebrae 
• Decompression surgery for severe spinal canal stenosis in the cervical spine

Always consult with a licensed doctor like Dr Raveesh Sunkara before deciding on surgery.

How to find the best spine hospital in Hyderabad. Learn Here

Neck Stenosis and Lumbar Canal Stenosis Treatment

Neck Stenosis Treatments

• Daily neck exercises
• Heat therapy and stretching exercises
• Nerve blockers to relieve pain
• Surgical treatment for stenosis of the neck in very severe cases

Lumbar Canal Stenosis Treatments

• Weight loss to reduce pressure
• Walking aids, if needed
• Muscle relaxants
• Surgical treatment for narrowing of the spinal canal

When to Visit a Spine Specialist?

Consult a physician if:  

• Your pain interferes with your day-to-day activities  
• Your numbness progresses  
• You feel unsteady when you walk  
• You lose bowel or bladder control 

Don’t hesitate! Early spinal nerve compression may cause permanent dysfunction if not treated. Contact an expert spine specialist for the best care.

Coping Tips for People with Stenosis

Move, yet move carefully. 

• Use chairs that are ergonomic and firm mattresses.
• Don’t lift heavy things or have bad postural patterns.
• Do some yoga and/or aqua therapy. 
• Limit how long you sit.

Be optimistic! Most people improve with appropriate treatment and motivation to maintain a lifestyle conducive to health.

Don’t Ignore Your Spine Health

Spinal stenosis can be a painful condition to live with. Awareness, education, and timely treatment can lead to relief! If you have cervical stenosis, lumbar stenosis, or cervical spinal stenosis, do not wait to call a specialist. 

Act now! Make an appointment with Dr. Raveesh Sunkara, the best spine specialist in Hyderabad, to learn your treatment options. For more insightful information, you can visit our website or contact us. Take charge of your spinal health now; living without pain is your right!

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