Spinal stenosis is characterized by the narrowing of the spinal cord or the narrowing of the neural foramina, which are the openings in the spinal column where spinal nerves travel out of the spinal column. When these areas of the spinal column narrow, it can causes pressure on the spinal cord or the spinal nerves.
Causes
Spinal stenosis usually develops as a result of disc degeneration that occurs with advancing age. As a person gets older, the discs in the spinal column lose some of their water content and begin to shrink. As the discs shrink, the bones and ligaments that make up the spine increase in size due to chronic inflammation. Other conditions, such as spinal defects, tumors in the spine and bone diseases can also cause spinal stenosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal stenosis usually occur gradually as the condition progresses, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Spinal stenosis in the upper portion of the spine can result in tingling, weakness and numbness in the leg, foot, arm or hand. This increases the risk of falling, as well as causes a weakened grip. Spinal stenosis may also cause neck and shoulder pain. If the nerves that control the bladder are affected, it may cause an affected individual to experience loss of bladder or bowel control. Medline Plus notes that symptoms are usually exacerbated by standing and walking and relieved when sitting down or leaning forward.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Although nonsurgical treatment methods cannot fix the narrowing of the spine, they are used to reduce the severity of symptoms and can provide a significant amount of relief, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Physical therapy, which involves a combination of exercises, massages and abdominal strengthening techniques, is often used to relieve pain. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be used to decrease inflammation and as a result reduce pressure on the nerves. If these techniques are ineffective, corticosteroids may be injected directly into the spinal column in an attempt to reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment options are available, but the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that surgery is usually only used for those who experience a significant decrease in quality of life due to spinal stenosis. Two surgical options are available: laminectomy and spinal fusion. During a laminectomy, parts of the bone and ligaments in the spinal column are removed to relieve pressure on the nerves. Spinal fusion consists of fusing two or more vertebrae together, which stabilizes the spine.
Prognosis
Most people with spinal stenosis experience no significant health problems and are able to carry out daily tasks normally. Those who undergo spinal surgery will experience partial relief of symptoms, but Medline Plus notes that future spinal problems often return even after surgery.
Complications
There are a small percentage of individuals that may experience complications due to spinal stenosis. Severe cases that are left untreated can result in permanent weakness or paralysis of certain areas of the body. A serious complication called cauda equina syndrome, in which the bundle of nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord become compressed, may also develop. Emergency surgery is needed for this syndrome.
