Spinal Stenosis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Spinal stenosis is a nerve disorder due to the narrowing of the spinal column. This disease generally occurs due to an inflammatory process of the bone or osteoarthritis which leads to damage to the bone. As a result, the nerves that are in the bone structure become pinched and various complaints arise.
Some sufferers feel complaints of severe pain that makes it difficult to walk. But some others feel no complaints at all. This disease often occurs over the age of 50 years.
In general, there is not much that can be done to correct this narrowing of the vertebrae. However, the therapeutic options currently available are quite effective in helping sufferers deal with pain and supporting sufferers with normal daily activities.
There are two types of spinal stenosis which are differentiated based on the location of the abnormality, namely:
- Cervical stenosis
Cervical stenosis occurs when the narrowing of the spine occurs in the cervical area, around the neck. - Lumbar stenosis
Lumbar stenosis occurs due to the narrowing of the vertebrae in the lumbar or lower back area.
The typical sign felt by sufferers is sciatica or numbness, numbness that is felt in the lower back and spreads to the buttocks and legs. This complaint is especially experienced when on the move.
Spinal Stenosis Symptom
Generally, people with spinal stenosis complain of stiffness, numbness or pain in the spine. More specific symptoms include:
- Sciatica, pain in the lower back that radiates to the buttocks and legs
- Foot drop, decreased leg muscle strength which causes the feet to fall down
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Inability to hold urine or bowel movements
Not all patients with stenosis experience significant complaints. Some sufferers don’t even know they have spinal stenosis until this abnormality is accidentally discovered on an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.
Spinal Stenosis Reason
Spinal stenosis occurs due to the narrowing of the spinal column. Normally, the spinal nerves or spine are protected by bone structures, both hard bone and cartilage. These bones are arranged lengthwise following the body axis, from the neck to the coccyx.
A condition called arthritis causes inflammation and bone breakdown in certain joints, both in the neck or cervical and lower back or lumbar regions. As a result, the nerves located in it become pinched and various complaints arise that are characteristic of spinal stenosis.
Apart from arthritis, other causes that lead to spinal stenosis include:
- traumatized A hard impact can cause fractures and inflammation of the area of nerves it protects.
- Herniation means the exit of a part of the spine which then clamps a nerve. This is generally caused by a fracture or tissue that protects the bone.
- Tumor. Tumors that invade the spine can cause pinching of the nerves within it.
- Paget’s disease. This disease occurs due to excessive bone growth and abnormal structure. As a result, there will be a pinch of nerves around it.
Diagnosis
Determination of the diagnosis of spinal stenosis is made on the basis of patient complaints supported by various additional examinations. These additional checks include:
- X-rays
On X-rays, you will see a change in the shape of the spine. - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI is done to see a more detailed view of the spinal structure, including the nerves within it. Through the results of an MRI examination, it will be known whether there are narrowings, tumors, and damage to the vertebrae. - Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
On a CT scan performed with contrast staining, structural abnormalities of the bones and spinal cord can be seen.
Spinal Stenosis Treatment
Treatment of spinal stenosis includes non-operative and surgical measures. Non-operative measures themselves include:
- Medications such as the painkillers acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin and muscle relaxants
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Anesthesia is done by inhibiting nerve activity to help relieve pain
- Physiotherapy
If this non-operative procedure is deemed not effective enough, a laminectomy and laminoplasty are needed. Laminectomy and laminoplasty are needed to create space between the bones so that the nerves inside are no longer pinched.
Apart from medical treatment, several things can be done by sufferers to help recovery, including:
- Using a warm compress or ice. Warm compresses will help speed recovery. Meanwhile, ice packs can be used to help reduce pain
- Maintain ideal body weight
- Sport. Light exercise can be done to help increase bone strength and muscle flexibility.
- Using a cane or walker.
Prevention
Efforts to avoid spinal stenosis can be done by protecting the spine, especially during activities and regular exercise. Here are two things that can help protect you from the risk of this condition.