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Is spinal stenosis serious?

Spinal stenosis has the potential to cause chronic pain, paralysis and fecal or urinary incontinence, which can have an impact on a person's quality of life.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is spinal stenosis?

An abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

The symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the severity of the narrowing and the area affected, but may include arm or leg pain, numbness and tingling down the arms or legs, bowel or bladder dysfunction, and foot disorders.

What causes spinal stenosis?

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is arthritis. Other causes may include disc herniation, fractures and underlying conditions such as osteoporosis.

Who gets spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis can potentially affect anybody, but it is more common in those over 50 years of age.

How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis of spinal stenosis is based on your doctor taking your medical history, carrying out a detailed physical examination and performing imaging tests.

How is spinal stenosis treated?

Non-surgical treatment of spinal stenosis may involve physiotherapy, changing your daily activities to avoid excessive stress on the spine, and medication or corticosteroid injections. If symptoms fail to respond to non-surgical treatment, then surgery is an …

What can be done at home to treat spinal stenosis?

The symptoms of spinal stenosis can be treated at home using pain-relief medications and following a physiotherapy program to restore flexibility and strength.

Can spinal stenosis be prevented?

You can lower your chances of spinal stenosis by maintaining a healthy weight, following a regular exercise program and practicing good posture.

How common is spinal stenosis?

As it is associated with the normal ageing process, most people over the age of 60 will show some degree of spinal stenosis. However, the likelihood of having symptoms is low.

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 11 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 17 Oct 2018
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Votes: 638 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Spondylolisthesis

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