Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing causes pinching or compression of the spinal cord or nerves within the spinal canal, which can in turn lead to pain in the back, buttocks, thighs, and legs, as well as an overall decrease in physical activity. There are two basic types of spinal stenosis: Lumbar spinal stenosis is the result of narrowing of the spinal canal on the lower part of the spinal column, whereas cervical spinal stenosis affects the upper part of the spine.
Symptoms
- Pain, numbness, tingling, and/or burning in one or both legs (buttocks, thighs, calves)
- Fatigue in the legs
- The symptoms are typically worse when standing or walking and relieved by sitting down or leaning forward (for example, leaning forward on a grocery cart while shopping).
- Higher up the spinal column, cervical spinal stenosis can create painful sensations in the shoulders, arms, and hands.
- A feeling of clumsiness and a lack of balance may also accompany this condition if the spinal cord is being compressed.
Causes
- Degeneration of the spine
- Bone spurs
- Herniated discs
- Spinal tumors
- Spinal injury
Risk Factors
- Age- 50 or older
- Congenital spinal deformity- scoliosis
- Trauma
Diagnosis
- Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a thorough physical examination of your back.
- Imaging: X-ray, MRI and or CT
Treatment
- There are non-surgical and surgical treatment methods.
- Medication: Initially, your doctor may prescribe analgesics to relieve the pain, along with anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the swelling.
- Epidural steroid injection: An epidural steroid injection may be prescribed to provide temporary relief of acute pain and swelling for pain that radiates to the hips or down the leg. It is typically recommended that a patient does not receive more than three epidural injections per year.
- Activity modification: Activity modification is avoiding those things that cause increased pain.
- Exercise and physical therapy: These are special exercises designed to help build endurance, increase your flexibility, and stabilize your spine. Your doctor, along with a trained physical therapist, can determine the right program for your needs.
- More severe cases may require surgical intervention
