Stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal is too narrow, creating pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Though stenosis may occur anywhere along the spine, the most common sites are the cervical and lumbar spine. Someone can be born with the condition, or stenosis can result from a spinal injury, tumor, or age-related changes to the spine.
Age-related Contributing Factors
The following are common age-related factors contributing to spinal stenosis:
- Herniated Discs – The discs, or cushions between the vertebrae, dry out and degenerate as people age. Part of the disc’s inner core may leak out into the spinal canal, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause pain and inflammation.
- Arthritis – Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause narrowing of the spinal canal. Osteoarthritis affects the spine’s facet joints by enabling the protective cartilage between the vertebrae to wear down. This allows bones to rub against one another causing friction, enlarged joints, and inflammation. Stenosis can occur gradually over time. Osteoarthritis also causes bones to produce extra tissue, or bone spurs, which put additional pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.
- Paget’s Disease – This condition is more common in individuals over age 50. The disease interferes with the body’s normal process of replacing old bone tissue with new bone tissue. The pelvis and spine are often affected. Bones become fragile and misshapen, sometimes compressing nerve roots.
Symptoms of Stenosis
Some people with spinal stenosis have no bothersome symptoms. Others experience symptoms that may worsen over time. Any symptoms depend on where the stenosis occurs.
- Cervical Stenosis – Symptoms may occur anywhere below the point where nerves are compressed. Symptoms may include neck pain; weakness, tingling, or numbness in the shoulders, arm, hand, leg, or foot; decreased function in the hand; fine motor issues; difficulty walking; balance or coordination issues; bowel or bladder incontinence.
- Lumbar Stenosis – Pain in the low back; pain in the buttocks that may radiate down the leg into the foot; numbness, tingling, weakness, heaviness, or cramping in the leg or foot; and pain that worsens when walking or standing for long periods. Symptoms may improve when sitting or bending forward.
Treatment Options
Physicians usually recommend conservative treatments to address pain and inflammation. This may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, steroid injections, and physical therapy. Many people will find pain relief and be able to avoid surgery.
If conservative treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be recommended. Surgical procedures can allow more space in the spinal canal for the spinal cord and decompress the nerves. Depending on where the stenosis occurs, surgical options include laminectomy, laminotomy, laminoplasty, foraminotomy, or spinal fusion.
Atlanta Brain and Spine Care
The neurosurgeons at Atlanta Brain and Spine Care are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal stenosis. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a specialist.
