Spinal Stenosis Pain
What is Spinal Stenosis?
The spine is a column of bones called vertebrae that provide stability and support for the upper body. It enables us to turn and twist. Spinal nerves run through openings in the vertebrae and conduct signals from the brain to rest of the body. The surrounding bone and tissues protect these nerves. If they’re damaged or impaired in any way, it can affect functions like walking, balance, and sensation.
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal column narrows and starts compressing the spinal cord. This process is typically gradual. If the narrowing is minimal, no symptoms will occur. Too much narrowing can compress the nerves and cause problems.
Stenosis can occur anywhere along the spine. How much of the spine is affected can vary.
Spinal stenosis is also called:
- pseudo-claudication
- central spinal stenosis
- foraminal spinal stenosis
Symptoms
Symptoms typically progress over time, as nerves become more compressed. You might experience:
- leg or arm weakness
- lower back pain while standing or walking
- numbness in your legs or buttocks
- balance problems
Sitting in a chair usually helps relieve these symptoms. However, they’ll return with periods of standing or walking.
Causes
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is aging. Degenerative processes occur throughout your body as it ages. Tissues in your spine may start to thicken, and bones may get bigger, compressing the nerves. Conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may also contribute to spinal stenosis. The inflammation they cause can put pressure on your spinal cord.
Other conditions that can cause stenosis include:
- spine defects present at birth
- a naturally narrow spinal cord
- spinal curvature, or scoliosis
- Paget’s disease of the bone, which causes abnormal bone destruction and regrowth
- bone tumors
- achondroplasia, which is a type of dwarfism
Spinal Stenosis diagnosed?
If you have the symptoms of spinal stenosis, your doctor will start by taking a medical history, performing a physical exam, and observing your movements. Your doctor may also order tests to confirm a suspected diagnosis, such as:
- X-ray, MRI scan, or CT scan to view images of your spine
- electromyelogram to check the health of spinal nerves
- bone scan to look for damage or growths in your spine
