Spinal stenosis is a medical condition where the spinal canal narrows and pinches the spinal cord. It can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms and legs. The most common symptom of spinal stenosis is pain in the back, neck, or legs. The pain may worsen when you stand or walk and get better when sitting down or resting. You may also have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms and legs. Spinal stenosis can happen anywhere in the spine, but it most often affects the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine). As with any other condition that causes pain, spinal stenosis can affect your quality of life if left untreated. Therefore, you should book an appointment with an expert in diagnosing and treating spinal stenosis in Holmdel.
Causes
Spinal stenosis is caused by the natural wear and tear of aging. It can cause the discs between the vertebrae to shrink, and the space between them may narrow. It can cause the spinal cord to be squeezed. Other things that can lead to spinal stenosis include:
- Herniated disc: A herniated disc is a disc in the spine that breaks open and leaks fluid. It can irritate the nerves around the spinal cord and cause pain.
- Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one of the vertebrae slips out of place. It can cause the spinal cord to be squeezed.
- Tumors: Tumors in the spine can compress the spinal cord or nerves.
- Infection: The spine can cause inflammation and compression of the spinal cord or nerves.
Symptoms
Spinal stenosis can cause pain, numbness or tingling, and weakness in the arms and legs. It’s often associated with pain in the back, neck, or legs. The pain may worsen when you stand or walk and get better when sitting down. You may also have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms and legs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms to determine if you are experiencing spinal stenosis. Your doctor may order x-rays of the spine to look for spinal canal narrowing. If x-rays are not helpful, your doctor may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or a computerized tomography (CT) scan. These scans can help your doctor see the condition of your discs and nerves.
Treatment
There is no cure for spinal stenosis, but treatments can help you manage the symptoms. Treatment often varies depending on the cause of the spinal stenosis.
If a herniated disc causes your spinal stenosis, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the disc. If your spinal stenosis is caused by spondylolisthesis, your doctor may recommend surgery to fix the vertebrae. If a tumor causes your spinal stenosis, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove cancer.
If your spinal stenosis is caused by arthritis, your doctor may advise you to lose weight and get more exercise. Your doctor may also prescribe pain relievers and mild sedatives if needed.
In summary, spinal stenosis is a medical condition where the spinal canal narrows and pinches the spinal cord. It mainly results from the natural wear and tear that comes with aging. Symptoms include pain, numbness or tingling, and weakness in the arms and legs. Your doctor may order x-rays, MRI, and CT scans to diagnose the condition. Treatment involves surgery, physical therapy, and medication.
