Spinal stenosis occurs when the space surrounding your spinal cord becomes too small. This irritates your spinal cord and/or the nerves that branch from it. Back or neck pain, as well as tingling in your arms or legs, are indications of spinal stenosis.
There are numerous reasons as well as numerous treatment choices. Spinal stenosis is a disorder that is more common in adults over the age of 60 and tends to deteriorate over time.
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is arthritis-related wear-and-tear changes in the spine. Some persons with spinal stenosis do not exhibit any symptoms. Others might feel discomfort, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. Symptoms may worsen over time, that’s why experts recommend wearing a lumbar back support belt while doing household chores or heavy exercises for additional support and comfort. Let’s learn more about the common symptoms, causes, and solutions for spinal stenosis.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
The narrowing of one or more areas within your spinal canal is known as spinal stenosis. The spinal canal is the tunnel that passes through each of your vertebrae. This narrowing puts pressure on the spinal cord and its branching nerves, leading to various symptoms. The constriction can result from different illnesses or injuries, causing discomfort and impacting nerve function.
Spinal Stenosis – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Spinal stenosis typically develops gradually over time. As a result, even if it appears on X-rays or other imaging tests, you may not have any symptoms for some time. Symptoms may appear and disappear and affect each person differently. The symptoms you encounter are determined by where the narrowing is in your spine.
Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
- Pain in your lower back.
- Pain in your buttocks and extends down your leg.
- A heavy feeling in your legs, or cramps.
- Numbness or tingling in your buttocks, leg, or foot.
- Constant pain when you stand for a long period.
- Increased pain in your legs while bending the spine backward.
- Difficulty in performing upright exercises or activities.
Symptoms of Cervical Spinal Stenosis
- Neck pain.
- Numbness or tingling in your arm, hand, leg, or foot.
- Weakness in your arm, hand, leg, or foot.
- Balance problems.
- Decreased function or hand movement.
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis has several causes. Many different changes or injuries in your spine can cause a narrowing of your spinal canal. The causes are split into two main groups:
- Acquired (developing after birth).
- Congenital (from birth).
Bone spurs: Arthritic wear and tear can cause additional bone to form on the spine. These are known as bone spurs. They can push into the spinal canal. Paget’s illness can also result in the formation of additional bone on the spine. Cartilage is the joint’s protective covering. Your bones begin to rub against each other when your cartilage goes down. Your body reacts by producing new bones. Bone spurs, or bone overgrowth, are prevalent.
Herniated disks: A flat, spherical cushioning pad (vertebral disk) sits between each vertebra and acts as a shock absorber. The disks can dry up and flatten as you age. The gel-like center of the disks can burst through if the outside edge of the disks cracks. The soft cushions that act as stress absorbers between your spinal bones are known as disks. If some of the soft interior material of the disk comes out, it can strain the spinal cord or nerves.
Thick ligaments: Ligaments are the fiber bands that connect your spine. Arthritis can cause ligaments to grow and protrude into your spinal canal over time. The strong ligaments that help hold your spine’s bones together might stiffen and thicken over time. Thick ligaments can force their way into the spinal canal.
Spinal fractures and injuries: Spinal bones can shatter or migrate out of place as a result of car accidents and other trauma. Swelling of adjacent tissue immediately following back surgery might potentially exert strain on the spinal cord or nerves. Broken or dislocated bones in your vertebrae or around your spine can reduce the space available in your canal. Inflammation caused by injuries near your spine might also cause problems.
Treatments for Spinal Stenosis
There are many treatment options for spinal stenosis. What’s best for you depends on the cause, the location of the issue, or the severity of your symptoms. If your symptoms are mild, your healthcare provider may recommend using the lower back support belt or some home remedies. If these methods don’t work and as symptoms get worse, you may have to take professional medications and surgery.
Nonsurgical treatment for spinal stenosis
- Oral medications
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
Surgery for spinal stenosis
- Laminectomy
- Laminotomy
- Laminoplasty
- Foraminotomy
- Interspinous process spacers
- Spinal fusion
In a nutshell, neck and lower back pain is commonly seen nowadays and it can even interrupt your daily life. If you have also begun to experience the common signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis, it’s the right time to take some preventive measures. The good news is SNUG 360 provides you with a comprehensive range of premium home healthcare medical support products tailored to help you lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
Visit the website and buy a lower back support belt today to ensure maximum comfort and ease of use. Learn more!
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