Spinal stenosis is a common congenital disorder in which the spinal canal narrows, limiting the available space for normal movement and activities.
The narrowing can be caused by osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease (DDD) and can result in spine curvature. This can lead to chronic pain as a result of constant pressure on nerves in the lower back, as well as other symptoms. The severity of symptoms, however, is determined by the location and severity of the narrowing in the spine.
Injuries such as a car accident, sports injury, work-related trauma, or infection can also cause spinal stenosis. While it is not hereditary, it does increase the risk of developing other diseases, such as mitral valve prolapse or hydrocephalus, in the future.
There are various types of spinal stenosis, as well as various treatment and prevention options. Continue reading to learn more about this common condition, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Diagnosis
The first step in any treatment plan is a precise diagnosis. A spine specialist will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if you have spinal stenosis. The type of diagnosis you receive is determined by whether you have arthritis, a herniated disc, spinal cord compression, or spinal tumors.
The most common methods for determining if you have spinal conditions at a spine center include the following:
X-ray
An X-ray is one of the first ways spine surgeons can determine if you have spinal stenosis. An X-ray will reveal any narrowing of the opening through which nerves exit your spinal cord and travel down into your legs. It may also reveal signs of degenerative disc disease, which damages the discs between the vertebrae and can cause nerve irritation and pain.
MRI
To confirm a diagnosis of spinal stenosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used. The MRI scan is painless and safe, and it can assist your physical therapist in determining the source of your pain.
Magnetic fields and radio waves are used in MRI scans to create detailed images of body structures. It is the most accurate method of diagnosing spinal stenosis because it can reveal inflammation, nerve compression, and other issues in the spine.
CT Scan
A CT scan is a non-invasive procedure that produces an image of the spine in great detail. It is capable of detecting spinal stenosis and herniated discs. An interventional radiologist or a general surgeon performs the procedure, which usually takes 30 minutes.
Possible Spinal Stenosis Treatment Options
Medications
Medications are the most commonly used method of pain and inflammation management. They can also help to relax the muscles around the spine, which can relieve pressure on the nerve roots.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium, for example, help to control pain and discomfort. Working with your pain management doctor to determine the best medications for spinal stenosis treatment in Brooklyn, NY, would be beneficial.
Amitriptyline hydrochloride, an antidepressant, has been shown to improve the quality of life in people suffering from chronic low back pain. Anticonvulsant medications such as gabapentin are frequently prescribed for neuropathic pain conditions such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy or radiculopathy caused by nerve root compression at any level of the spine (cervical degenerative disc disease).
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a critical component of sports medicine. This method focuses on assisting people in improving their overall mobility and quality of life through exercise and movement in order to aid in pain management and prevent future injury.
Physical therapy can help heal and strengthen your muscles if you have an injury or are recovering from surgery. Physical therapists and orthopedic spine surgeons will also collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses any balance or coordination issues you may be experiencing as a result of your condition.
Steroid Injections
A steroid injection is a procedure that uses corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. A small amount of medicine is injected directly into the spinal canal or near the nerve root where you’re experiencing pain.
Steroid injections may be recommended for patients suffering from chronic back or neck pain caused by degenerative discs, spondylosis (spine arthritis), stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), or other conditions that put pressure on your nerves.
The injection’s goal is to reduce inflammation and muscle spasms to provide immediate relief from your symptoms, such as lower back pain. It may take several weeks before you notice any long-term effects from your steroid injections, though many people notice improvement right away.
Needle Procedure for Thickened Ligaments
The needle procedure for thickened ligaments is a minimally invasive procedure for loosening or softening the ligaments that surround your spine. It is used in conjunction with other procedures, such as spinal decompression and instrumented fusion.
The procedure aims to relieve pressure on your spinal cord, which may help relieve chronic pain and stiffness caused by spinal stenosis. The doctor inserts needles into specific areas of your back via small two-centimeter incisions (about one inch). The needles are linked to a pump, which suctions medication directly into the affected area of your spine via a catheter tube inserted into each incision site.
Spine Surgery
Back surgery is usually regarded as a last resort. If you’re thinking about having surgery, know that there are highly skilled lower spine specialists available. Surgery is used to decompress the spinal cord and remove any parts causing pressure or impinging on nerves. Still, it is also frequently used in conjunction with other procedures, such as decompression or laminectomy (the removal of part of a vertebra).
Surgery may be minimally invasive and performed through an incision no longer than one inch long, resulting in a faster and less painful recovery than traditional surgical methods. A back specialist will provide exceptional care and use cutting-edge technology to ensure you receive comprehensive spine care.
Contact New York Spine Specialist for the Best Spinal Orthopedics In Brooklyn, NY
The spine, like many other body parts, has joints and ligaments, such as the arms, legs, and fingers. As a result, it is as important in human physiology as the others combined. So, if you have a persistent backache or pain radiating down your arm, you should contact New York Spine Specialist as soon as possible. Our team has the experience and knowledge to assist patients with spinal stenosis and other spine-related conditions. Our orthopedic doctors accept workers’ compensation, no-fault, PIP (Personal Injury Protection), and other health insurance plans. Call us today at (516) 355-0111 to schedule an appointment.
