Fact Checked
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces in the spine which puts plenty of pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. It usually happens in the lower back and the neck. It causes pain in the nerve and weakness of the muscles in the back and the spine. This condition develops due to deterioration as well as aging.
Types
- Cervical stenosis – the narrowing happens in the part of the spine in the neck.
- Lumbar stenosis – the narrowing happens in the part of the spine in the lower back and it is the most common form of spinal stenosis.
Symptoms
Cervical spine
- Weakness in the arm, hand, foot or leg
- Numbness or tingling sensation felt in the arm, hand, foot or leg
- Problems with balance and walking
- Neck pain
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction
Lumbar spine
- Weakness in the foot or leg
- Numbness or tingling sensations felt in the foot or leg
- Cramping or pain in one or both legs with prolonged periods of standing or walking and becomes lessened when bending forward or sitting
- Pain in the back
Causes
- The wear and tear caused by osteoarthritis on the spinal bones can result to the development of bone spurs which can form into the spinal canal.
- The soft cushions that function as shock absorbers between the vertebrae dry out with age.
- Thickened ligaments which are cords that hold the bones in the spine together become stiff and thicken over time.
- Abnormal growths that forms inside the spinal cord, inside the membranes that covers the spinal cord or tumors.
- Spinal injuries such as vehicular accidents and other trauma can cause dislocation or fractures of one or more of the vertebrae.
Treatment of spinal stenosis
- Apply a warm compress on the affected area to lessen the pain and the inflammation. Wrap the compress using a towel or a piece of cloth before placing on the area for at least 10 minutes at a time. Avoid heat directly on the skin to prevent burns and worsen the condition.
- Apply a cold pack at the back for at least 10 minutes at a time to lessen the swelling. Another alternative is using bag of frozen vegetables such as peas or corn.
- Apply alternately hot and cold on the area for at least 10 minutes at a time to lessen the pain.
- Use a walker or a cane when standing and walking to lessen the stress placed on the spine.
- Use the prescribed brace for the back to support the back and for fast healing of the condition.
- Seek the help of the physical therapist for some rehabilitation exercises for strength and flexibility of the spine and improvement of balance.
FACT CHECK
https://medlineplus.gov/spinalstenosis.html
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/lumbar-spinal-stenosis/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352961