Our spine is a delicate system that requires maintenance and care to adequately protect our nervous system’s information superhighway, the spinal cord. Radiating off of the spinal cord like exits and on-ramps can be found countless nerves, slipping their way between the vertebrae and discs that hold everything together. When health problems cause these pathways to become narrow or pinched, symptoms may occur, though not all patients with spinal stenosis will experience recognizable symptoms.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Simply put, spinal stenosis refers to the condition mentioned above where nerve pathways narrow, causing the nerves to become pinched or compressed. There are two classifications of spinal stenosis, which may occur either together or alone in any case. These two types are as follows:
• Cervical Stenosis – When the narrowing of the space inside the spine happens in the neck region, it is referred to as cervical stenosis.
• Lumbar Stenosis – When this narrowing occurs in the lower portion of the spine, near the lower back, it is known as lumbar stenosis. This form of stenosis is the most commonly experienced.
Each form of stenosis has symptoms that can identify it, though they aren’t guaranteed to appear even when this condition is present. Once they do begin to appear, they tend to begin slowly and grow in frequency and intensity over time. The location of the affected nerves determines the type of symptoms a patient may experience.
What Are The Symptoms Of Spinal Stenosis?
The symptoms patients experience from spinal stenosis can broadly be associated with the type of stenosis they’re experiencing.
Cervical Stenosis (Occurring in the neck)
• Leg, foot, hand, or arm weakness
• Leg, foot, hand, or arm numbness
• Issues with maintaining balance or walking
• Bladder and bowel dysfunction may occur in severe cases.
Lumbar Stenosis (Occurring in the lower spine)
• Leg or foot weakness
• Tingling or numbness in a leg or foot
• Cramping or pain experienced in one or both legs after extended times spent standing or walking.
• Lower back pain
What Can Cause Spinal Stenosis?
While the reason for spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal pathway, there are numerous conditions that can cause this to occur. Among them are an overgrowth of bone, thickened ligaments, herniated discs, spinal injuries, and tumors. The specific reason you may be experiencing spinal stenosis will have to be determined by you and your physician. This condition most commonly occurs in those over the age of 50, but certain degenerative conditions or injury can cause it in younger patients.
If you have more questions about this condition and would like to get help in prevention or treatment, contact Dr. Pranay Patel at one of Ocean Spine’s locations in Los Angeles, Long Beach, or South Bay, CA. You reach us at 217-317-9404 to schedule an appointment to start on your path to addressing your spinal concerns. Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse, call today, and start working towards getting relief today!