Spinal stenosis occurs when there is an abnormal narrowing of the spinal column. There are numerous possible causes, but essentially they lead to pressure on the spinal cord and/or the nerves that branch out from it.
A bundle of nerve tissue that runs from the brain through the spinal column and connects the brain to the body, transmitting sensory and motor signals.
The bony structure that comprises the individual vertebrae that enclose and protect the spinal cord and nerves located in the middle.
The spinal column is made up of 24 articulated and 10 fused bones (vertebrae). The vertebrae are linked by discs that act as shock absorbers for the spine.
The spinal column plays a vital role in the support of the upper body. It allows us to keep an upright posture, bend and twist. It also protects the spinal cord.
Within the spinal column is the spinal canal. Spinal stenosis occurs when there is an abnormal narrowing of this canal. The spine can narrow at one or more of the following parts:
Intervertebral discs - layers of cartilaginous material that act as cushions between the vertebrae and the joints in the spine, enabling the spine to bend and twist.
A bundle of nerve tissue that runs from the brain through the spinal column and connects the brain to the body, transmitting sensory and motor signals.
The bones that make up the spinal column.
The bony structure that comprises the individual vertebrae that enclose and protect the spinal cord and nerves located in the middle.
The cavity running through the middle of each vertebrae of the spine that contains the spinal cord.
Spinal stenosis can occur due to a variety of causes, including the following:
A long-term disease characterized by excessive growth of the head, feet, hands and sometimes the chest, extremities and other structures, due to over secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.
A type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints of the spine, particularly where the spine attaches to the pelvis.
Present from birth.
Abnormal protrusion of tissue through an opening.
The cavity running through the middle of each vertebrae of the spine that contains the spinal cord.
A chronic condition that causes the abnormal enlargement and weakening of bones.
The spine is made up of three regions - the cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral spine.
Lumbar stenosis is the most common, with around 75% of cases of stenosis occurring in this region. Lumbar stenosis commonly involves compression of the nerve roots of the lower back, leading to sciatica.
Cervical stenosis is less common, but is potentially more serious, as it can affect the muscles that help with breathing.
Thoracic stenosis is the least common type and can be associated with pain in the ribs.
Sometimes referred to as the lower spine, but is also the abdominal section of the torso, located between the diaphragm and pelvis.
One or more fibers that transmit signals of sensation and motion between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.
Some people with spinal stenosis may not experience any symptoms. For others, if the narrowing puts pressure on the nerves or spinal cord, there may be symptoms such as:
An organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine for excretion.
A bundle of nerve tissue that runs from the brain through the spinal column and connects the brain to the body, transmitting sensory and motor signals.
To help diagnose the cause of your symptoms, your doctor will take a detailed medical history, including your symptoms and past injuries, and ask questions about your overall health.
Your doctor will perform a physical examination to assess your strength, sensation and reflexes.
X-rays can be used to show any bone-related causes of spinal stenosis, such as osteoarthritis and bone spurs.
CT scans can provide detailed images of the spinal column to help better diagnose bone-related causes.
MRI scans can be used to detect injury or disease of the soft tissue, such as disc herniation and tumors of the spine.
Bone scans can be useful in detecting fractures, infection or arthritis, but because they cannot differentiate between disorders, they are most commonly used alongside other imaging tests.
Entry into the body of microorganisms that can reproduce and cause disease.
A type of imaging that uses a magnetic field and low-energy radio waves, instead of X-rays, to obtain images of organs.
The bony structure that comprises the individual vertebrae that enclose and protect the spinal cord and nerves located in the middle.
Abnormal protrusion of tissue through an opening.
Exercise can be used to build up strength in the muscles of your arms and legs. Exercise can improve your balance, ability to walk, bend, move about and control pain.
Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may provide relief from pain. Some people may be prescribed specific medication to ease muscular spasms.
Corticosteroids may be injected directly into the affected area around the spinal cord to provide temporary, or sometimes permanent, pain relief. These injections are not for regular use and are generally limited to only a few times each year.
Acupuncture may prove effective in treating symptoms of mild to moderate cases of lumbar stenosis.
When non-surgical treatment has not provided effective relief from symptoms, surgical treatment may be an option for some people. There are different procedures that can be used to alleviate the symptoms, including:
Surgical risks may include blood clots, infection, failure to provide relief and nerve injury.
A form of complementary therapy that involves fine sterilized needles being inserted into the skin at specific points to treat medical conditions.
A medication that resembles the cortisol hormone produced in the brain. It is used as an anti-inflammatory medication.
Entry into the body of microorganisms that can reproduce and cause disease.
Sometimes referred to as the lower spine, but is also the abdominal section of the torso, located between the diaphragm and pelvis.
One or more fibers that transmit signals of sensation and motion between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.
A bundle of nerve tissue that runs from the brain through the spinal column and connects the brain to the body, transmitting sensory and motor signals.
The bones that make up the spinal column.
The cavity running through the middle of each vertebrae of the spine that contains the spinal cord.
Severe cases of spinal stenosis may lead to chronic pain, paralysis, or fecal and urinary incontinence, which can be disruptive to normal life.
An inability to move or feel; a loss of muscle function or sensation.
For most people, there is good relief from symptoms without surgery. However, for others, non-surgical treatment may prove ineffective and surgery will be a good option.
You may be able to lower the likelihood of spinal stenosis by: