The healthcare professional may advise physical therapy, medication, and ultimately surgery if the alternatives do not help and as symptoms develop. The healthcare professional might first advise using some self-care remedies if the symptoms are minor. Treatment options for stenosis vary on the nature of the disease, where it is located, and how severe the symptoms are. This may reveal tumors, bone spurs, and herniated disks. A contrast dye is given during a CT myelogram to highlight the spinal cord and nerves. This examination includes X-ray images obtained from numerous angles. It may also reveal any tumors that are present. The examination can find ligament and disk problems. A strong magnet and radio waves are used in an MRI to provide precise images of both hard and soft tissue. Radiation exposure from each X-ray is minimal. An X-ray of the back can detect bone abnormalities that might be reducing the space inside the spinal canal. Imaging tests may also be recommended to ensure the cause and location of spinal stenosis. Diagnosis of Spinal StenosisĪ physical exam may be requested by a healthcare professional and ask about the patient’s existing symptoms and medical history.
Spinal bones can fracture or slide out of place as a result of trauma from car accidents and other incidents. Tumors may develop in the spinal canal on rare occasions. Thick ligaments may push into the spinal canal The ligaments that keep the bones of the spine connected might stiffen and thicken. The spinal cord or nerves may be pressed upon if soft interior material from the disk leaks out in some areas. The soft cushions that serve as stress absorbers among the spinal bones are known as disks. Moreover, Paget’s illness might lead to additional bone growth on the spine. Invasion of the spinal canal is possible. The spine may develop additional bone due to wear-and-tear damage brought on by arthritis. Congenital causes account for only 9% of instances. In some severe cases, incontinence may be observed Causes of Spinal StenosisĮtiologies for spinal stenosis can be inherited or acquired.Difficulty in hand movements like writing.Weakness of the arm, leg, hand, or foot.
Numbness below the point of the nerve compression.Increasing pain when walking downhill or over a long period of standing B.Numbness on the lower extremities of the body.Sciatica is a pain that radiates from the buttocks to the leg or foot.Lower back pain can range in intensity from a dull ache or stiffness to an electric-like or scorching feeling.Symptoms differ from each patient and can change over time. While spinal stenosis can affect any part of the spine, it most frequently affects the neck (cervical spinal stenosis) and lower back (lumbar canal stenosis).