| Spinal stenosis is a condition where for a variety | | | | anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling |
| of reasons the spinal canal becomes more narrow. | | | | are usually prescribed first, along with bed rest |
| This narrowing can put additional pressure and | | | | and reduced physical activity. Steroid injections |
| compression on the spinal cord and can cause a | | | | can also be use to help reduce swelling although |
| pinching of the nerve roots. If the narrowing is in | | | | the pain relief is normally temporary. |
| the lower part of spinal cord it is referred to as | | | | Traction and spinal decompression may be |
| lumbar spinal stenosis and if the narrowing is in the | | | | prescribed, along with physical therapy which can |
| upper part of the spinal cord then it is referred to | | | | be used to help increase flexibility as well as build |
| as cervical spinal stenosis. While stenosis can also | | | | endurance. |
| occur in the thoracic or upper back region, the | | | | If the pain is acute, then surgery may be needed |
| lumbar and cervical areas are the most common. | | | | in order to widen the spinal canal and to correct |
| Who Gets Spinal Stenosis? | | | | the conditions that are contributing to the nerve |
| While some people are born with stenosis, most | | | | compression. |
| of the time spinal stenosis is seen in people over | | | | Some of the surgical procedures used to treat |
| the age of 50 who already have some disc | | | | spinal stenosis are: |
| degeneration just as a consequence of getting | | | | Decompressive laminectomy. This is used for |
| older as well as the gradual wearing down on the | | | | treating lumbar spinal stenosis and involves |
| spine from normal activities. As we get older, our | | | | removing the top of the vertebra to create more |
| spinal ligaments can calcify, bone spurs may form, | | | | space for the nerves. |
| and we can get herniated or ruptured discs. All | | | | Laminotomy. This is a partial removal of the |
| these conditions can lead to a narrowing of the | | | | lamina which can be done to widen the spinal canal |
| spinal canal which can compress and pinch the | | | | and relieve compression on the nerve roots. |
| spinal nerves. | | | | Foraminotomy. Removal of bone, scar tissue, or |
| Spinal Stenosis Symptoms | | | | other obstructions that are compressing the |
| Symptoms of spinal stenosis can include back pain | | | | nerve root exiting the spinal canal. |
| radiating to the legs, numbness or pain in the | | | | Due to the risks involved, many doctors will |
| buttocks that worsen when walking or exercising, | | | | resort to surgical treatments only after |
| leg weakness, decreased physical endurance, loss | | | | non-surgical treatments have been tried first. |
| of balance, and leg and neck pain. | | | | This article is not meant to replace the sound |
| Spinal Stenosis Treatments | | | | advice of a personal physician. Patients should |
| In general doctors tend to take a conservative | | | | discuss with their doctor all their treatment |
| approach when initially treating spinal stenosis. Drug | | | | options before taking any medical course of |
| therapy such as pain relievers and | | | | action. |