Spinal Stenosis Explained

Good Morning! This is The Field Guide to Back and Neck Pain, the newsletter to stay up to date on treatments and symptoms of back pain, neck pain and other chronic pain conditions. Welcome to all new readers! To those that have been here before, thank you, it’s so good to see you again.

Here is what you can expect from today’s edition:

• Spinal Stenosis explained

• How can Spinal Stenosis be treated?

• News: Prescriptions for Produce: Doctors actually prescribing fruits and vegetables to patients

Spinal Stenosis explained

Spinal stenosis is a medical condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, which is the open space within the spine that houses the spinal cord and nerves. This narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out from it, leading to a range of symptoms and discomfort. Spinal stenosis typically occurs in the neck or lower back.

Spinal Stenosis can be a result of various factors, including:

• Degenerative Changes: The most common cause of spinal stenosis is the natural aging process, which can lead to the breakdown of spinal discs and the development of bone spurs (osteophytes). These changes can reduce the available space in the spinal canal.

• Herniated Discs: A herniated or bulging disc can push into the spinal canal, causing compression on the nerves or spinal cord.

• Congenital Factors: Some people are born with a narrower spinal canal, which can predispose them to spinal stenosis.

• Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can cause inflammation and the thickening of spinal ligaments, contributing to stenosis.

Some of the symptoms that can result from Spinal Stenosis include:

• Pain and discomfort in the neck or lower back.

• Numbness or tingling in the extremities (arms or legs).

• Weakness in the arms or legs.

• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance.

• Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases).

The severity of symptoms can vary, and they may worsen over time as the stenosis progresses.

Diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis typically involves a combination of physical exams, medical history, and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to visualize the spinal canal and confirm the presence of stenosis.

Keep reading to learn how Spinal Stenosis may be treated!

Laugh through the pain…

How Spinal Stenosis Can Be Treated

The treatment options for spinal stenosis depend on the severity of the condition, the location of the stenosis, and the individual patient's health and preferences. Here are some common treatment options for spinal stenosis:

Conservative Management:

• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design exercises and stretches to improve flexibility, strength, and posture. This can help relieve symptoms and improve mobility.

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and pain relievers may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Simple lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, using assistive devices (e.g., canes or braces), and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms can be helpful.

Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver anti-inflammatory steroids directly to the affected area around the spinal cord or nerves. They can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation and allow patients to engage in physical therapy. Learn more about epidural steroid injections HERE

Minimally Invasive Procedures: Some minimally invasive procedures may be used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. These include:

• Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression - Click to learn more about this procedure

• Indirect Spinal Decompression (watch out for more on this in future editions)

• Spinal Cord Stimulation (more on this later too)

Surgery:

• Spinal Fusion: In some cases, when spinal instability is a concern, spinal fusion may be recommended. This involves the fusion of two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce movement that might be causing pain.

• Decompression Surgery: For more severe cases, open decompression surgery may be necessary to remove bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or any other structures causing spinal cord or nerve compression.

The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the severity of the condition, the location of the stenosis, the patient's overall health, and their preferences. Many individuals with spinal stenosis respond well to conservative measures like physical therapy and pain management, while others may require more invasive interventions. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual circumstances.

In the news…

Doctors are writing actual prescriptions for fruits and vegetables for patients. Check out more in the article below!

In case you missed it…

Resources

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About the Author

Les is an invaluable member of the team! He is the Lead Writer for the Field Guide to Back and Neck Pain newsletter. However, Les Payne is just a Pen Name to protect the identity of our expert Lead Writer who is an actively practicing, board-certified expert in the treatment and prevention of back and neck pain as well as other acute and chronic pain conditions. He has years of experience in this field and has treated over 15,000 patients with pain of all kinds!

Disclaimer: This publication is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication or website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No provider-patient relationship is created by this publication or web site or its use. Neither the administrator nor its employees, nor any contributor to this publication or web site, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.