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Central Canal Stenosis Prevention

Central canal stenosis is a more specific form of the general degenerative spinal condition known as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows over time as part of the natural aging process. Adding "central" to this term simply means a portion of the main canal has narrowed, versus foraminal stenosis, in which the foramina (the pathways through which nerves exit the spine) has narrowed. Both types of spinal stenosis can cause potentially severe symptoms when the smaller openings for nerves to pass through place pressure on these nerves. This nerve compression can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling. Since there isn't anything you can do to prevent the aging process from occurring, preventing spinal stenosis is technically not possible. However, there are still some steps you can take to keep your spine healthy and strong as a whole and potentially reduce your risk of developing this condition.

Steps to Take

Many of the tips to maintain a healthy spine are actually great ways to keep your entire body healthy. This makes sense, considering your spine is so closely tied to your overall well-being, as it supports the majority of your body weight and enables movements like twisting, bending, and flexion. Here are some ways you can keep your spine flexible and supple over the years, and also maintain your overall health:

• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Exercise regularly
• Stretch
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake

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Each of these tips can help keep your spinal anatomy as strong and healthy as possible and potentially combat the natural degeneration that takes place as you age – including the development of central canal stenosis.

Treatment

If, despite your best efforts to prevent central canal stenosis, you're suffering from painful symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend a treatment program consisting of conservative, nonsurgical options like physical therapy, exercise, hot/cold therapy, pain medications, etc. However, some individuals can't find relief through these methods and instead turn to surgery. If you've been unable to reduce your pain and other symptoms after weeks or months of conservative treatment, contact Laser Spine Institute today to learn about our safe, effective endoscopic procedures that 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.