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What are the Symptoms of Spinal Narrowing?

Spinal narrowing – also known as spinal stenosis – is a common degenerative spine condition that occurs as part of the natural aging process. But what are the symptoms of spinal narrowing, and how can you treat them? Before discussing potential symptoms of this condition, it pays to first learn more about its causes.

Causes

Spinal narrowing occurs when the passageways through which spinal nerves exit the spinal canal – known as foramina – become constricted due to the development of degenerative abnormalities. Over the years, wear and tear causes your spinal anatomy to degenerate. Spinal arthritis, bulging discs, herniated discs and bone spurs can all occur as a result.

Whether it's a bulging disc, herniated disc, or bone spur, for example, such a growth can reduce the space that the nerves have to travel through. When this constriction progresses to a certain point, a nerve can become "pinched," and this is when symptoms can arise. Spinal narrowing by itself won't cause any symptoms – only this neural compression will result in the development of symptoms.

Symptoms

Now that you know more about the causes of spinal narrowing and resulting nerve compression, it will enhance your understanding of this condition and its symptoms. These symptoms can include:

• Localized pain at the site of the nerve being compressed
• Pain that radiates, or travels the length of the pinched nerve
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Tingling

Treatment

With a firm grasp of the causes and symptoms of spinal narrowing, you'll be able to better determine a potential treatment plan when you speak with your doctor. Typically, this will consist of any of a variety of conservative, nonsurgical options that are often very effective in managing the symptoms of spinal narrowing. Whether it's physical therapy, massage, pain medications, hot/cold therapy, or other methods, you may find adequate pain relief through such techniques. However, if weeks or months of conservative treatments have failed to ease your pain, contact Laser Spine Institute today. We'll be glad to tell you about our revolutionary endoscopic procedures that are safe, effective alternatives to open back surgery and 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.