Spinal Stenosis Definition, Causes, & Treatment

A common cause of spinal pain, especially as we age, is spinal stenosis. The definition may vary from one source to another, but the generalities are the same: spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal. If the condition progresses, the narrowing may eventually compress the spinal cord and/or nerve roots—causing pain, loss of feeling, muscle weakness, and other symptoms.

Causes

Spinal stenosis, by definition, is the narrowing of the spinal canal, but it also encompasses the narrowing of nerve root passages—a condition specifically known as foraminal stenosis. In either case, the narrowing is normally the result of bone or soft tissue abnormalities in the spinal column that impinge on nerve roots or the spinal cord itself. Osteophytes, or bone spurs, may appear as we age and the process of osteoarthritis causes vertebral bones to rub against each other. Additionally, degenerating intervertebral discs can constrict the nerve root passages (called foramina) or the spinal canal.

Depending on the location of the stenosis, this often results in the following symptoms:

• Pain, weakness, or numbness in the arms, hands, legs, and feet
• Pain which radiates to the extremities
• In the lower back, as compression of the sciatic nerve produces a burning pain that runs down the lower back and into the leg and foot
• If stenosis affects the spinal cord, especially in the cervical spine (neck), severe weakness, numbness, or even partial paralysis may occur.

 In addition, there are other conditions—such as illness, birth defect, or injury—that can cause spinal stenosis.

Treatment

The objective of treating spinal stenosis is to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots by opening up the narrowed area(s). Non-surgical treatment is almost always the first course; exercises aimed at increasing flexion can often help to alleviate the symptoms of spinal stenosis, as well as keep the patient active so as to avoid additional back problems related to prolonged inactivity. As with any treatment program, your doctor should monitor and prescribe your physical therapy regimen.

However, such non-invasive treatment will not always be enough to relieve pain and other symptoms permanently, and your doctor may recommend a surgical alternative. If this is the case for you, consider contacting Laser Spine Institute. Our team of renowned spine surgeons can treat the cause of your spinal stenosis using minimally invasive, laser-assisted endoscopic surgical techniques that enable them to access the trouble spot while minimizing the pain, scarring, and recovery time required by traditional open back surgery. Contact Laser Spine Institute today, and we will happily review your CT scan or MRI results at no cost to you.