The Effects of Spinal Stenosis on the Body
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Spinal Stenosis can be defined as the constriction of the spinal canal which may place pressure on the spinal cord. The abnormal narrowing may also cause more constrictive neural foramina where the spinal nerves enervate. Spinal Stenosis usually occurs to older people since their vertebral discs had already lost much of its hydration causing them to shrink. In conjunction to this, the spinal bones will increase in size causing a narrowing of the foramen. Other causes of spinal stenosis are arthritis and bone diseases. Congenital defects and developmental problems may also lead to this disorder. Previous injury, trauma or herniated discs are also key factors in having spinal stenosis. Having a tumor on the spine or at the back can easily lead to spinal stenosis too. The growth of the new tumor can take up space which is not supposed to be occupied therefore compressing other spinal structures and constricting the spinal column.
There are some serious symptoms of spinal stenosis that people must watch out for. Since spinal stenosis is actually involving the nerves, it is possible that the organs that these nerves supply impulses will not be able to completely register the message or the message doesn’t get sent or received at all. This means the patient may exhibit weakening of the legs, numbness and tingling. Because of the pressure that is applied, pain is most likely to be felt at the back which usually radiates to the legs and to the arms. Neck and shoulder pains are also common. In worst cases, patients may not be able to walk properly and is unable to balance without assistance. Bladder and bowel problems may also be seen. Again, this is due to the irregular signals sent by the nerves due to compression and pinching. These symptoms may be aggravated by movement like walking or even standing. Sitting down and resting may afford temporary relief to the patient. Patients with spinal stenosis usually just use a wheelchair since most of them are unable to walk properly.
It may seem odd for the patient when the doctor asks him to do a lot of simple activities during the physical examination. These may include walking, standing, sitting, leaning forward, bending backward and sideways, leg lifting and more. These exercises are tests to which the physician will check the location of the pain and the aggravating and relaxing movements with it. A neurological examination will be done to assess neurologic function and may indicate weakness or numbing on the extremities. People with spinal stenosis will be taken an x-ray, MRI of the spine or a spinal CT scan to complete the diagnosis. Once proven, treatment may begin. Pain management will be the priority since it is the symptom that can debilitate the patient aside from weakness and numbing. Physical therapy and medications in conjunction with each other may be effective. Hot and Cold packs may also relieve sudden onset of pain. If the pain does not subside, surgeries like foraminotomy and laminectomy may be performed to relieve spinal pressure. People with spinal stenosis need to adjust with the symptoms for them to be able to continue doing activities as normal.
There are some serious symptoms of spinal stenosis that people must watch out for. Since spinal stenosis is actually involving the nerves, it is possible that the organs that these nerves supply impulses will not be able to completely register the message or the message doesn’t get sent or received at all. This means the patient may exhibit weakening of the legs, numbness and tingling. Because of the pressure that is applied, pain is most likely to be felt at the back which usually radiates to the legs and to the arms. Neck and shoulder pains are also common. In worst cases, patients may not be able to walk properly and is unable to balance without assistance. Bladder and bowel problems may also be seen. Again, this is due to the irregular signals sent by the nerves due to compression and pinching. These symptoms may be aggravated by movement like walking or even standing. Sitting down and resting may afford temporary relief to the patient. Patients with spinal stenosis usually just use a wheelchair since most of them are unable to walk properly.
It may seem odd for the patient when the doctor asks him to do a lot of simple activities during the physical examination. These may include walking, standing, sitting, leaning forward, bending backward and sideways, leg lifting and more. These exercises are tests to which the physician will check the location of the pain and the aggravating and relaxing movements with it. A neurological examination will be done to assess neurologic function and may indicate weakness or numbing on the extremities. People with spinal stenosis will be taken an x-ray, MRI of the spine or a spinal CT scan to complete the diagnosis. Once proven, treatment may begin. Pain management will be the priority since it is the symptom that can debilitate the patient aside from weakness and numbing. Physical therapy and medications in conjunction with each other may be effective. Hot and Cold packs may also relieve sudden onset of pain. If the pain does not subside, surgeries like foraminotomy and laminectomy may be performed to relieve spinal pressure. People with spinal stenosis need to adjust with the symptoms for them to be able to continue doing activities as normal.