When space within the spinal canal becomes restricted, a patient is said to be suffering from spinal canal stenosis, also known as spinal stenosis.
Stenosis occurs when the bones, ligaments, and discs of the spinal canal begin to deteriorate, eventually leading to narrowing and compression in the spinal canal. The compression associated with spinal stenosis can irritate or impinge on nerve roots and the spinal cord, causing severe discomfort and a potentially diminished quality of life.
You should consult a doctor if you experience back pain or neck pain. It’s particularly important not to ignore pain that is chronic, or lingering. If stenosis is present, you might also experience radiating pain through the shoulders and arms, numbness or tingling in the extremities, or weakness in the limbs, among other symptoms.
Spinal canal stenosis, which is sometimes called central stenosis, usually occurs later in life, but there are several causes, including:
- Normal disc degeneration due to aging
- Osteoarthritis (facet disease)
- Bulging discs
- Herniated discs
- Spinal fracture or other injury
- Spondylolisthesis
Quite often, the condition can be managed through exercise and over-the-counter pain medicine. Sometimes, though, back or neck pain is so persistent that your doctor might suggest surgery as an option. Fortunately, the medical professionals at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) can help you avoid the lengthy recovery period of traditional open-back surgery through the use of a variety of minimally invasive, outpatient procedures.
Contact LSI to learn more about overcoming the pain of spinal canal stenosis, and for a free review of your MRI or CT scan. Let the award-winning surgeons at Laser Spine Institute help you rediscover a life without pain.
