What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal Stenosis
The open spaces begin to narrow in your spine if you have spinal stenosis. The spinal cord and nerves throughout the spine end up with pressure put on them. The majority of the cases occur in the lower back and neck region. For many, there are no symptoms while there are others that have pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and problems controlling their bladder and bowels. The main cause is again and damage that occurs over time. Some other potential causes can predispose someone to having spinal stenosis.
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is aging. As one ages the ligaments tend to thicken in the body. That thickening causes spurts to develop. Deterioration of the disks that give cushioning between the back bones. Your facet joints can begin to break down. All of these different factors are causes the spaces narrowing in your back. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can both affect the spine and playing a large role is heredity. At birth the spinal canal is small and will lead to symptoms associated with spinal stenosis. Some structural deformities can cause the spinal canal to become narrow.
Abnormal growths called tumors from out of soft tissue. The inflammation associated with tumors can directly affect the spinal canal. Tissue growth can lead to losing bone because of bone cells becoming overactive. Bone displacement causes tumors, which then causes the supporting framework to your spinal column to collapse. Injuries or trauma can also be the cause of spinal injuries. The spine can become dislocated or bone fragments can go into the spinal area because of a fracture. The fragments pierce the spinal canal they will likely cause major damage and pain.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Pain in the legs and lower back is often felt by people who have spinal stenosis. It can actually pinch end up pinching some of the nerves that control muscle power and sensation in legs. Frequently falling or being clumsy are other symptoms. Simply walking is difficult for many. Some feel like their legs are hot or cold while other feel like they are numb. The symptoms develop slowly or a time span of years, they do not usually just come all of a sudden. In general, someone who suffers from spinal stenosis ends up in more pain the longer they stand or walk.
When occurring in the neck area, it can end up causing weakness and numbness in the arms or hands. Cases that are more severe can lead to problems controlling the bowel or bladder.
Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis
Symptoms seem like many others that are simply age related. It is difficult to diagnose. Imaging tests can help properly diagnose spinal stenosis. An x-ray is typically what the doctor will use though it often is not able to confirm spinal stenosis. It is more likely to rule out other possibilities with similar symptoms. An MRI will usually be ordered by the physician which will give information needed to diagnose the condition. It produces cross-sectional images that help to detect any damage to disks or ligaments of the spine. It can also pick up on tumors that are present. Pressure on spinal nerves and the spinal cord is shown on an MRI as well. A CT scan is used as well. This will give pictures from many angles which may show the presence or tumors, herniated disks, and bones spurs.
There is no time to spare when it comes to issues with the back. It is a very important part of your bone structure. If you are experiencing any issues with feeling numbness or other sensations you should contact a doctor right away. With a few tests, they will figure out what is wrong.
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is aging. As one ages the ligaments tend to thicken in the body. That thickening causes spurts to develop. Deterioration of the disks that give cushioning between the back bones. Your facet joints can begin to break down. All of these different factors are causes the spaces narrowing in your back. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can both affect the spine and playing a large role is heredity. At birth the spinal canal is small and will lead to symptoms associated with spinal stenosis. Some structural deformities can cause the spinal canal to become narrow.
Abnormal growths called tumors from out of soft tissue. The inflammation associated with tumors can directly affect the spinal canal. Tissue growth can lead to losing bone because of bone cells becoming overactive. Bone displacement causes tumors, which then causes the supporting framework to your spinal column to collapse. Injuries or trauma can also be the cause of spinal injuries. The spine can become dislocated or bone fragments can go into the spinal area because of a fracture. The fragments pierce the spinal canal they will likely cause major damage and pain.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Pain in the legs and lower back is often felt by people who have spinal stenosis. It can actually pinch end up pinching some of the nerves that control muscle power and sensation in legs. Frequently falling or being clumsy are other symptoms. Simply walking is difficult for many. Some feel like their legs are hot or cold while other feel like they are numb. The symptoms develop slowly or a time span of years, they do not usually just come all of a sudden. In general, someone who suffers from spinal stenosis ends up in more pain the longer they stand or walk.
When occurring in the neck area, it can end up causing weakness and numbness in the arms or hands. Cases that are more severe can lead to problems controlling the bowel or bladder.
Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis
Symptoms seem like many others that are simply age related. It is difficult to diagnose. Imaging tests can help properly diagnose spinal stenosis. An x-ray is typically what the doctor will use though it often is not able to confirm spinal stenosis. It is more likely to rule out other possibilities with similar symptoms. An MRI will usually be ordered by the physician which will give information needed to diagnose the condition. It produces cross-sectional images that help to detect any damage to disks or ligaments of the spine. It can also pick up on tumors that are present. Pressure on spinal nerves and the spinal cord is shown on an MRI as well. A CT scan is used as well. This will give pictures from many angles which may show the presence or tumors, herniated disks, and bones spurs.
There is no time to spare when it comes to issues with the back. It is a very important part of your bone structure. If you are experiencing any issues with feeling numbness or other sensations you should contact a doctor right away. With a few tests, they will figure out what is wrong.