Have you been experiencing pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation in the upper or lower back? Back pain is the sixth most common condition in the US, with about 65 million Americans reporting a recent episode to their doctor. 16 million adults, or about 8% of the total adult population, suffer from chronic back pain.
That said, numerous musculoskeletal and skin diseases conditions may cause back pain, some severe and permanent, others milder and more temporary. Understandably, you may be confused about what is ailing you.
This piece will dive into one of the most common back problems- spinal stenosis. Learn what it is, its symptoms, causes, and of course, treatment options. Most importantly, you will know where to go to get checked, diagnosed, and properly treated.
What Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces within your spine start to narrow. This narrowing can then add pressure to the spinal nerves causing discomfort, pain, among other symptoms. However, it is worth noting that spinal stenosis does not always come with noticeable symptoms. But when it does, the symptoms become more intense with time.
Spinal stenosis can happen anywhere along your spinal column, which comprises 24 fused bones that start at the base of your skull to the ends of your pelvis. But in most cases, this condition usually affects the lower back and the neck, which also defines the type you are suffering from.
The two main types of spinal stenosis:
- Cervical stenosis: This type occurs when the part of the spine in your neck narrows, therefore causing a strain on the nerves.
- Lumbar spinal stenosis is the most common type and happens when the part of the spine in your lower back (lumbar spine) becomes smaller.
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?
How do you know if you are suffering from spinal stenosis? As already mentioned, the condition does not always come with significant signs. So, you may not know you have it at first unless you undergo an MRI or X-ray. However, once you develop spinal stenosis, the symptoms might come later and worsen over time.
That said, the symptoms will largely depend on the type of spinal stenosis you have. For cervical spinal stenosis, the typical signs include:
- Pain in the neck area
- If you have a tingling sensation, numbness, or other unusual feelings in your arm, hand, leg, or foot
- Balance issues or clumsiness when walking
- Loss or reduced motion in the hands
- In chronic cases, poor bowel or bladder function.
Lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms include:
- Pain in the lower back, either as a dull ache or burning/ electric sensation.
- Tingling or numbness in your foot or entire leg
- Weakness in one or both feet or legs, usually most present in later stages
- Cramping or pain or in one or both legs when standing or walking for long
- Leg pain that eases when walking downhill, bending forward, or sitting down
- Pain that starts in the buttocks and radiates down the leg, also known as sciatica
- In chronic cases, loss of bladder or bowel control
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
The spine or backbone runs from your neck down to your lower back. The bones of your spine create the spinal canal that safeguards your spinal cord and the nervous tissue within it.
That said, you can be born with a naturally smaller spinal canal. But often, stenosis is caused when something makes the open space within your spine narrower. These things include:
Overgrowth of Bone
Wear and tear damage due to osteoarthritis on your spine’s bones can trigger the formation of bone spurs. These can then grow into your spinal canal. Another thing that can cause bone overgrowth in your spine is Paget’s disease, a bone disease that is often seen in grown-ups.
Herniated Discs
The tender cushions that function as shock absorbers between your vertebrae dry up as you get older. Cracks can then appear in your disc’s exterior, allowing this soft inner material to penetrate the spinal cord and nervous tissue, thus causing stenosis.
Tumors
Abnormal growths can develop inside your spinal cord, within the membranes covering your spinal cord, or in between your vertebrae and spinal cord, causing stenosis. All the same, tumors are uncommon and easy to identify on spine imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).
Thickened Ligaments
As you get older, the strong cords holding your spine’s bones in place stiffen and thicken. These thickened ligaments can push on the spinal canal.
Spinal Trauma
Accidents and other injuries can lead to fracturing or dislocating one or more vertebrae. Displaced bone from such events may damage the tissue within your spinal cord. Not to forget, the swelling of tissue following surgery on your back can exert pressure on your spinal cord and nervous tissue.
Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Treatment for Spinal Stenosis in New York
The treatment for spinal stenosis will depend on where the stenosis is and how severe your signs are. Treatment might not be needed if the condition is mild. Feel free to converse with your doctor on the best course of treatment, but ultimately, it is up to them to develop a viable treatment for your specific case.
That said, let us take a look and the treatments you can expect for your stenosis:
Surgical Treatments
Your doctor will resort to spinal stenosis surgery only if other treatments are ineffective or if your symptoms disable you. Examples of surgical procedures to treat spinal stenosis are:
- Laminectomy
- Laminotomy
- Laminoplasty
- Minimally invasive surgery
Non-Surgical Treatments
If your symptoms are mild or not experiencing any, your doctor will usually recommend non-surgical treatment options. These include:
- Medications to relieve pain
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
- Decompression procedures
- Alternative medicine such as acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care
Looking for Reliable Spinal Stenosis Treatment? Consult a Spine Surgeon From New York Spine Specialist
If you are in New York and looking for a spine specialist for stenosis treatment, you can find one at our practice. We have been offering reliable spinal treatment to patients from New York for years, and we will provide you with the best care. Contact New York Spine Specialist on (516)-355-0111 today to book your appointment! Start your journey to recovery and goodbye to back pain and discomfort by visiting us today.
