Dr. Derek Snook
Neck & Spine
Spinal Stenosis
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If you have back pain along with weakness in your legs when you get up, you could have a condition called spinal stenosis. In this article, we will discuss what spinal stenosis is, what causes it, and the different treatment options available.
At JIS Orthopedics, we are passionate about spinal care. Feel free to contact us at one of our locations in New Albany or St. Clairsville, OH. We look forward to providing you with quality care.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal. The narrowing of the spinal canal will put pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Spinal stenosis may cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
There are several reasons why spinal stenosis occurs. While some are born with a small spinal canal, others develop the condition. Some reasons why the spinal canal may narrow include the following:
- Bone Spurs: Wear and tear caused by arthritis may lead to the growth of additional bone on the spine, known as bone spurs. These bone spurs may grow into the spinal canal. Paget’s disease is also associated with additional bone growth on the spine.
- Herniated Discs: Your spine has soft, cushion-like disks between the spinal bones. These serve as shock absorbers for your spine. The disks can exert pressure on the spinal cord or nerves if their inner material leaks out.
- Thickened Ligaments: The ligaments responsible for maintaining spinal bone alignment can become rigid and thick with time. This can potentially cause compression within the spinal canal.
- Tumors: In some rare cases, tumors can develop within the spinal canal.
- Spinal Injuries: Trauma, such as car accidents, can result in spinal bone fractures or misalignment. Swelling associated with back surgery can also exert pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Some patients have congenital stenosis.
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
It is possible to have spinal stenosis with no symptoms. If you do notice symptoms, they will usually start slowly and worsen over time. Symptoms of spinal stenosis vary depending on where on the spine it occurs.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
You may have cramping or pain in your legs when spinal stenosis affects your lumbar spine (or lower back). You may notice the symptoms are worse when you sit down or bend forward. Some may experience back pain too.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical (neck) spinal stenosis can cause the following symptoms:
- Neck pain
- Numbness
- Weakness in a hand, leg, foot or arm
- Problems with balance and walking
- Problems with the bladder or bowel
When to Contact a Medical Professional
If you have symptoms of spinal stenosis, you should contact a medical professional. However, you should seek emergency medical care if you have more serious symptoms, such as:
- Difficulty walking or poor balance
- Numbness or weakness of your limb that is worsening
- Difficulties controlling urine or bowel movements
- Difficulties urinating or having a bowel movement
How is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?
Your doctor may use the following diagnostic methods to diagnose spinal stenosis:
- Medical History: They will usually begin by discussing your medical history
- Physical Examination: They may press on your back and look for limitations in back movement
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and computed tomography (CT) scans
Spinal Stenosis Treatment
The recommended treatment for spinal stenosis will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Below are some of the available treatments for spinal stenosis.
Medications
Several different medications can be used to treat spinal stenosis symptoms. They include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are an option if over-the-counter pain relievers are ineffective. Prescription NSAIDs may offer better relief.
- Antidepressants, specifically nightly doses of tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, can alleviate chronic pain.
- Certain anti-seizure medications, for instance, gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise), are utilized to relieve pain stemming from nerve damage.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can give you exercises that can help in three areas:
- Building spinal strength and endurance
- Stabilize the spine while maintaining flexibility
- Improve your balance
Steroid Shots
Steroid shots may be used to reduce inflammation around nerve roots that have become compressed.
Spine Surgery
Spinal surgeries are performed to create more space within the spinal canal. The following surgical procedures are used to treat spinal stenosis:
- Laminectomy: During this procedure, the back part (lamina) of the affected spinal bone is surgically removed to create additional space in the spinal canal. This will alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves. Your surgeon may also recommend spinal fusion, the connecting of spinal bones with metal hardware, or a bone graft.
- Laminotomy: This procedure involves removing just part of the lamina. The surgeon removes just enough to relieve pressure where necessary.
- Laminoplasty: This procedure is performed specifically on the spinal bones in the neck. The procedure enlarges the space within the spinal canal by creating a hinge on the lamina. Metal hardware is used to bridge the gap created in the opened section of the spine.
Outlook After Spinal Surgery
Spinal surgery will usually provide a good to excellent outcome for those who have spinal stenosis. Patients usually return to a normal lifestyle after they have recovered from surgery.
Book an Appointment Today
The surgeons at JIS Orthopedics are fully equipped to treat conditions that affect the spine. Book your appointment now at one of our locations in New Albany or St. Clairsville, Ohio. Our back specialists can give you the peace of mind you are looking for. Contact us today!
Medically reviewed by Derek Snook, MD
Seeing a Spine Specialist
Even if you follow steps to help protect your spine, injuries can still happen. When they do, schedule an appointment with Dr. Derek Snook at JIS Orthopedics! Scheduling an appointment earlier can help shorten your recovery and get you back to the thins you love. We want to help you live without limits!
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