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• Congenital Spinal Canal Stenosis

Congenital Spinal Canal Stenosis

Although most spinal stenosis is a result of degeneration brought on by the aging process, some people inherit traits at birth that can lead to congenital spinal canal stenosis. These inherited traits can be extreme, such as severe kyphosis or lordosis (spinal curvature) through scoliosis or dwarfism (achondroplasia). Or, a genetically narrower spinal canal also could be passed from generation to generation. Regardless of whether spinal stenosis is inherited or developed later in life, the potential symptoms are the same: pain, tingling, numbness or muscle weakness.

How Congenital Spinal Canal Stenosis Produces Symptoms

The symptoms associated with spinal stenosis, no matter the cause, are produced by nerve compression or irritation of the spinal cord. Not all cases of spinal stenosis are symptomatic; only when adjacent nerve roots are impinged, or when a related anatomical abnormality – such as a bone spur or herniated disc – presses on a portion of the spinal cord will symptoms develop. The area of the body affected by symptoms depends on the location of the nerve compression. For example, compression in the cervical (neck) region of the spine can produce shooting pain in the neck, upper back, the arms, hands and fingers. In the lumbar (lower back) region, compression can produce symptoms in the lower back, hips, buttocks, thighs, calves, shins, feet and/or toes.

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Managing Symptoms Associated with Spinal Stenosis

Most of the time, symptoms associated with spinal stenosis can be managed using conservative treatment, such as pain medication, physical therapy or stretching. Inherited conditions, such as scoliosis, might require more extreme pain-management techniques, including surgery. Before deciding to undergo highly invasive spinal fusion surgery, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn whether a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed using advanced, endoscopic technology can help you rediscover your life without back and neck pain.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.