What are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Many instances of spinal stenosis are asymptomatic; patients are unaware that they have stenosis unless it shows up on an x-ray. Other patients may experience a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe.

Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal cord. It can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including arthritis and damage to the discs. Symptoms occur when the nerve roots or spinal cord become compressed. It is most common in the lumbar spine, but can occur in any area of the spine.

Symptoms

Symptoms will vary on the extent, location, and cause of the stenosis. Patients may experience:

• Pain in the back or neck
  
• Pain in the legs (lumbar stenosis), arms (cervical stenosis), or torso (thoracic stenosis)
  
• Muscle weakness in the legs, arms, or torso
  
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
  
• Clumsiness or falling frequently
  
• Trouble or pain walking
  

Some instances of spinal stenosis occur after a traumatic event such as an injury or accident, and the onset of symptoms is sudden. More often, though, stenosis develops gradually over a long period of time as a result of aging.

The symptoms of spinal stenosis can mirror a wide range of other conditions; for this reason, tools such as MRI must be used for diagnosis. Symptoms in the legs and arms can be a sign that stenosis is the cause, however.

Stenosis can cause chronic, debilitating symptoms. Just as they usually develop over a long period of time, they also tend to cause pain over a long period of time. Living with pain can cause a number of related conditions, including insomnia, depression, anxiety, and reduced immune response. In addition, work productivity and ability to participate in hobbies may decline. It is clear, then, that effective treatment is essential for patients to regain their previous quality of life.

Treatment and Prevention

Stenosis can be treated using a variety of techniques. Less invasive techniques are more desirable because of their lack of side effects. Treatments include rest, physical therapy, medication, and surgery. Surgical treatment may take the form of either open back surgery or laser back surgery.

Since many cases of spinal stenosis occur as a result of aging, there is no way to absolutely prevent the condition from developing. However, patients can take steps to promote good spine health. In addition, patients who have already received treatment for stenosis should take steps to maintain their spine health. Following these tips can help lower your risk of stenosis and reduce symptoms if you do develop a condition:

• If you are obese, lose weight. When your spine bears extra weight, it is more prone to injury and wear and tear.
  
• Exercise regularly, using low-impact exercises that strengthen the core. When the muscles of the core are strong, the back bears less weight.
  
• Practice good posture. While bad posture cannot cause spinal stenosis, it can exacerbate symptoms.
  
• Avoid smoking. Smoking can decrease the amount of fluid the discs, as well as inhibit the body's natural healing processes.
  
• Lift properly, especially if you have a physically strenuous job. Improper lifting is a common cause of spinal stenosis.
  

While the symptoms of spinal stenosis can have a drastic impact on quality of life, the condition is highly treatable. The majority of patients find that their symptoms resolve within several months without ever needing to resort to surgery. For those patients who do need surgery, there are minimally invasive procedures available that minimize recovery time while providing relief from symptoms.

The first step to recovery is to find a specialist you trust. To schedule a consultation about your chronic back pain or other symptoms, please call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at 212-420-0312.