
At times, in very harsh cases it may also cause a sufferer to lose control of their bowel movements, have bladder issues or both.Īs spinal stenosis can present itself in different places in a person’s back, it has the tendency to, of course, be different in each location. No part of the leg is immune, as the thighs, buttocks and feet may all feel the effects of a narrowing spine. The pain can radiate throughout the lower half of the body, running down through the legs. Sufferers that endure symptoms of spinal stenosis may find themselves with more than just back pain. For certain sufferers, spinal stenosis occurs in all three locations in the spine, causing many symptoms to present themselves in the sufferer. The narrowing of the spine may occur in several locations in a person’s spine, including the lumbar, thoracic or cervical regions. Congenital defects are mostly associated with spinal stenosis occurring in the neck or lower back. At times, spinal stenosis can be attributed to a congenital condition. Some other causes include a herniated disc, tumor growth and osteoporosis. As the progression of aging takes place, a person’s spinal column frequently begins to degenerate. Most commonly, the narrowing of the spine is simply a part of the aging process. This excruciating condition can be brought on by several different processes. As this happens, the narrowing spinal canal begins to compress both the spinal cord and the nerves, causing a very painful sensation in the person’s back. With this condition, a person’s spinal canal becomes narrow. Bone grafts or metal implants are used to attach the affected bones of the spine together.The narrowing of the spine is a very painful condition that is known better as spinal stenosis. Spinal fusion is typically performed in more severe cases, especially when multiple levels of the spine are involved.Foraminotomy is used to widen the part of the spine where the nerves exit.A surgeon removes part of the vertebrae to provide more room for the nerves. Laminectomy is the most common type of surgery.Several types of surgery are used to treat spinal stenosis: They may also prescribe surgery if the condition is affecting your ability to walk, control your bowel or bladder, or do other routine activities. If you have severe pain or weakness, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat spinal stenosis. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy to help strengthen and stretch your muscles. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help ease pain. To treat spinal stenosis, your doctor will likely start by prescribing medication.Ĭortisone injections into your spinal column can reduce swelling. What are the treatment options for spinal stenosis? First-line treatments These abnormal tissue growths may develop in the spinal canal, trigger inflammation, and cause changes in the surrounding bone. Slipped discs or bone fractures may cause vertebrae or bone fragments to put pressure on nerves in the spine. This abnormal curving of the spine may result from certain genetic conditions, neurological abnormalities, or unknown causes. This type of arthritis involves chronic inflammation, which can cause bone damage and bone spurs to develop. This chronic condition causes bones to get weaker and grow larger than usual. It can affect the cartilage between vertebrae and may also cause bone spurs to grow in the spine. In this type of arthritis, the cartilage that cushions joints breaks down. In this condition, calcium deposits form on the ligament that runs through the spinal canal. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).This is a birth defect in which the spinal canal is naturally narrow. This is a type of arthritis that causes chronic inflammation in the spine, which can lead to the growth of bone spurs. This inherited condition interferes with bone formation in the spine, as well as other parts of the body. As you age, tissues in your spine may start to thicken, and bones may get bigger, compressing the nerves.Ĭertain health conditions may also contribute to spinal stenosis, including: The most common cause of spinal stenosis is aging.
