What are Spinal Stenosis Symptoms

Spinal stenosis is not a single condition, but rather the effect that a wide-ranging group of spine conditions has. Stenosis refers to the narrowing of any opening in the body, so spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which is what the spinal cord runs through. If the spinal canal is too narrow, the nerves can become compressed. Depending on the location and severity of the stenosis, this can cause some serious symptoms.

Signs & Symptoms

There isn't a single tell-tale sign of spinal stenosis. Instead, there are several issues that may or may not occur depending on the nature of the spinal stenosis:

• Pain in the back or neck
  
• Pain in the arms or legs
  
• Pain in the core of the body or pelvis (less common)
  
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
  
• Muscle weakness
  

A person's spinal stenosis symptoms will vary depending on where on the spine the condition occurs. If the issue is in the neck, the symptoms could occur anywhere in the body, and as a result cervical spinal stenosis is considered more serious. If the issue is in the lower back, then the spinal stenosis symptoms could only occur in the lower back and legs.

Conditions

Spinal stenosis can be caused by several conditions; most of them have to do with damage to either the discs or vertebrae. Herniated and bulging discs, bone spurs, arthritis, spinal misalignment, and tumors (rare) can all cause spinal stenosis. The course of treatment will vary based on what caused the spinal stenosis to occur and how serious the resulting symptoms are. Most cases of spinal stenosis can be treated non-surgically.

Only a doctor can make a definitive diagnosis of spinal stenosis and its cause. To schedule a consultation today, please click below or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.