Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can lead to irritation and compression of the spinal cord or the nerves branching off it. Stenosis most often occurs in the neck (cervical spine) or low back (lumbar spine). The condition is often age related, typically affecting people over the age of 50. While there are several reasons why people develop spinal stenosis, the leading cause is osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, characterized by the gradual wear and tear of the joint tissue. In the spinal column, the facet joints are most often affected by osteoarthritis. The sacroiliac joints, which connect the spine and the pelvis, may also be affected. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that pads the ends of the bones wears down, causing the bones to rub painfully together when a person moves. Bony growths, or bone spurs, may narrow the spinal canal and press on nerves.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Beginning stages of spinal stenosis may cause no symptoms. However, once symptoms do start, they tend to get worse over time.
Symptoms in the cervical spine:
- Neck pain
- Tingling or numbness in an arm or hand
- Weakness or clumsiness in an arm or hand
- Difficulty with fine motor activities involving the hands, such as buttoning a shirt, writing, or unscrewing a bottle cap
- Balance problems
Symptoms in the lumbar spine:
- Pain in the low back
- Pain in the buttocks that extends down the leg and sometimes into the foot (sciatica)
- Numbness, tingling, or cramping in the buttocks, leg, or foot
- Heaviness in the legs
- Pain that worsens after standing for long periods or when walking downhill
- Pain relief when sitting or leaning forward
Nonsurgical Treatment for Spinal Stenosis
Nonsurgical treatment may start with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain. Muscle relaxers may be helpful in relieving cramps or spasms. Prescription medications can provide stronger pain relief.
Physical therapy teaches exercises that improve spinal stability, flexibility, and balance. Exercises that strengthen abdominal core muscles can help reduce lower back pain.
Steroid injections help reduce pain, inflammation, and irritation around pinched nerves. An injection delivers the medication directly where it is needed.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery may be recommended when other treatments have been unsuccessful. A laminectomy can allow the surgeon to remove all or part of a lamina which is compressing a nerve. This provides more space in the spinal canal. Bone spurs may also be removed. A foraminotomy can remove the areas in the vertebrae where nerve roots are being compressed. This provides more space for those nerves.
Atlanta Brain and Spine Care
The Board Certified neurosurgeons at Atlanta Brain and Spine Care are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal stenosis. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a spine specialist.
