Spinal Stenosis

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canal which causes pressure on the spinal nerves or cord.

This condition is mostly seen in patients over the age of 50. Although the cause of spinal stenosis is not clear, two types have been described.

Symptoms of a Spinal Stenosis

The congenital form of spinal stenosis is seen in individuals who are born with a narrow spinal canal. In these individuals, minimal changes in the structure of the spine can cause severe spinal stenosis.

The more common acquired form of stenosis is caused by progressive changes in different spinal elements (such as the discs, joints, ligaments, etc.) As people age, all these different elements sag or bulge and form arthritis that narrows the spinal canal.

Patients with spinal stenosis complain mainly of leg pain which worsens with walking. Back pain is also commonly seen with this problem. The leg pain is often improved with sitting or bending over. Rarely, bowel or bladder symptoms or progressive weakness can occur; these symptoms are very severe and necessitate immediate surgery.

Spinal stenosis can be diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging or a CT myelogram. Regular X-rays are helpful for evaluating the general bony structure of the back as well. After diagnosing spinal stenosis, anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, and narcotics may be prescribed. (For an in depth interview with Dr. Delamarter on Lumbar Spinal Stenosis click here.)

Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis

Physical therapy and steroid injections into the back may also be helpful in relieving the symptoms of stenosis. Furthermore, specialized nerve or joint blocks can be helpful for diagnosing and treating this problem.

Rarely, the above modes of treatment do not improve the patient’s leg/back pain. In this case, surgery is an effective means of relieving the pressure on the nerves. Surgery involves the removal of the bony and ligamentous bulges which are placing pressure on the nerves.