Spinal Stenosis

“As per the report, there were 12-15 lakh patients suffering from spinal stenosis in India. Moreover, it mainly affects people who are 60 years old as 4 lakh patients out of the above estimate were over 60. However, young people with certain conditions can also experience it. Because of the lack of knowledge, people often fail to identify spinal stenosis.” – Financial Express

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal Stenosis is a disease that occurs when the spaces in the spinal canal get tight, compressing the nerves passing through it. This kind of compression is called ‘stenosis’. This condition can happen in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine). Sometimes, it is also found in the middle of the back (thoracic spine), but this is very rare. If you want an in-depth understanding of Spinal Stenosis, consult experts at Axis Clinics.

This type of ailment primarily arises as a result of ageing-related changes in bodily tissues throughout time. The most common diseases responsible for causing this problem are arthritis and degenerative disc disease. Sometimes, spinal stenosis is caused by injuries or tumours and other congenital reasons, including a congenitally narrow spinal canal.

Although this disease is a progressive one, limiting activity as it advances. Early detection and treatment could lead to good symptom control. While more aggressive measures like surgery can be performed depending on how bad it is once diagnosed. Without prompt intervention, the possible outcomes of Spinal Stenosis could be a limitation of daily activities and a significant decrease in quality of life. Axis Clinics offers minimally invasive Spinal Stenosis treatments during every phase of this illness.

What are the Worst Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis? - Spinal Stenosis Symptoms

The symptoms of a Spinal Stenosis or narrowing spinal canal will always vary depending on the area affected (where it is located) and its extent. Some people are lucky not to show any (symptoms, while others face serious debilitating issues). Knowing those Spinal Stenosis symptoms beforehand might lead someone to early treatment, which will be helpful in the recovery process.

Common Spinal Stenosis symptoms include:

Pain in the lower back or the back of the neck occurs frequently.
An unusual feeling of tingling, numbness or a characteristic of pins-and-needles in the limbs depending on the location of stenosis is neck or back.
Weakness of muscles, which may make it difficult to lift or carry something or walk comfortably.
Pain that radiates down one leg, a condition linked to Spinal Stenosis and sciatica.
Problems while walking or balancing, particularly when taking long distances known as neurogenic claudication.
Lowered bladder or bowel control in advanced cases.

What is the Most Common Cause of Spinal Stenosis? - Spinal Stenosis Causes and Risk Factors

Spinal stenosis occurs mostly as a result of ageing and its effects on different parts of the spinal column, such as disc herniation, bone spurs and thickened connecting bands called ligamental hypertrophy or deformed joint capsules of facet joints.. Moreover, scoliotic deformities might increase the chances of developing this condition over time.

An impingement of nerves at the lumbosacral part that appears in a way that makes one feel sharp pain moving down through the leg via the sciatic nerve is termed sciatica. Most of the time people with stenosis face this grippling pain in both lower limbs while standing straight and they resort to stooping forward to get some relief. The increasing heaviness and loss of power in the legs upon walking a particular distance makes them sit for some time to regain power and get some relief in pain to be able to walk that much distance again. This phenomenon is called neurogenic claudication- a typical telltale sign of spinal canal stenosis. As its causes are part of the ageing process, this prevails mostly among the older population.

Risk factors of Spinal Stenosis are:

Age: People over 50 account for the majority of instances.
Arthritis: It is more likely to occur if you already have inflammatory arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Herniated discs
Spinal deformities
Genetics: This may occur when you either have a family history (relatives) or a narrow spinal canal.
Spinal injuries: If someone has any injury to these parts, they can experience this condition earlier in life.
Lifestyle factors: Jobs or activities that need to bend the body and lift heavy objects.
Other conditions: If you have Paget’s disease, tumours, or bone abnormalities, you may experience Spinal Stenosis.

What is the Best Way to Diagnose Spinal Stenosis? - Diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis

You must consult a specialist at Axis Clinics for a diagnosis as soon as symptoms appear. Specialists employ state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to confirm their suspicion. This way, it is possible to deliver personalized treatment, which will help to increase positive results if diagnosed early and accurately.

Common diagnostic tools include:

Medical history and physical examination: Diagnosis based on medical history and physical examination is critical in identifying symptoms and evaluating nerve function.
X-rays: An X-ray may help detect bone spurs or structural changes.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The purpose of an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is to obtain clear images of the spinal cord, surrounding soft tissues, and nerves.
CT scans with myelogram: When MRI is not possible, CT scans together with a myelogram are good alternatives.
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCV): Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCV) allow the evaluation of nerve function and recognition of nerve damage.

How Do You Fix Spinal Stenosis without Surgery? - Spinal Stenosis Treatment Options

Spinal stenosis is one of the conditions which must be managed as soon as possible because it can get worse as it advances. Moreover, the fact that it cannot get better on its own and that it is a progressive disease, makes it even more concerning. A timely intervention can prevent damage to the nerves and avoid disability to a larger extent. The basic idea of treatment is to free the nerves from physical compression and give them breathing space by opening up the spinal canal. This may be achieved through minimally invasive means such as endoscopy or open spine surgery, whichever is relevant and safe for the patient. In the process, a part of the bone called the lamina is removed along with the thickened ligaments and the tissues over the deformed joint capsules of the spine.

The pain related to spinal canal stenosis could be managed by acquiring different postures wherein the pressure on the nerves could be reduced and restricting one’s activity within the permissible range of mobility. However, one can consume painkillers and nerve medications along with some hot packs in the back, for some short-term relief of pain and discomfort.

How Long is Rehab After Spinal Stenosis Surgery? - Spinal Stenosis Recovery and Rehabilitation

Spinal Stenosis recovery varies with symptom severity and treatment method. Mild to moderate stenoses may respond to conservative methods such as medication or physical therapy within four to six weeks, while more serious conditions might need surgery, and recovery may last anywhere from three months up to over half a year.

Tips for Rehabilitation:

Engage in physical therapy: Get yourself involved in physical therapy. For instance, it can help strengthen the muscles within your spine to give better support, hence lessening nerve compression.
Maintain a healthy weight: Ensure you are of appropriate body weight; there is a need to avoid gaining much because the more you add, the more pounds will subject more pressure onto your back, leading to worse symptoms.
Focus on flexibility: Flexibility is key. So, engage in gentle movements which can help release pressure over these blood vessels and make sure that there is improvement in their motion.
Use ergonomic furniture: The utilization of chairs and mattresses that are properly designed can minimize strain.
Avoid high-impact activities: Activities like running or heavy lifting should be replaced with low-impact exercises such as swimming or yoga.

Spinal Stenosis Prevention Tips

Even though Spinal Stenosis cannot be entirely prevented, lowering the risks and delaying its development can come from adopting an active stance towards caring for your spine.

Tips for Prevention:

Stay active: Engage in a lot of exercises all the time to maintain flexibility in your backbone and other supporting muscles.
Maintain good posture: Something as simple as sitting down properly, for instance, will also ensure that little pressure is applied to one’s back, hence preventing any damage that might occur.
Choose supportive footwear: Wearing appropriate footwear enhances alignment plus aids in maintaining proper spinal health at all times.
Incorporate strength training: Developing core and other muscles that give direct support to your spinal cord is one of the best ways of preventing back injuries right from the outset.
Eat a balanced diet: Minerals like calcium together with vitamin D help to make them strong so that they do not break often due to wear and tear processes.
Address minor back issues promptly: Accidents or strains that appear trivial when they happen can cause severe problems if they are left unattended over a long period.

When to See a Doctor?

When you feel continuous pain, numbness, or weakness affecting the way you live, it’s high time you consult a physician. Loss of bladder or bowel control calls for prompt medical attention. Spinal stenosis treatments include both non-surgical and surgical procedures that can help you get rid of symptoms and regain mobility. Seek quality advice and treatment from Axis Clinics.

Conclusion

Understanding Spinal Stenosis means understanding its symptoms, and treatment options which may help those affected or their caregivers know when to seek help. Visit Axis Clinics for tailored care and regain control of your life today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Spinal Stenosis be Cured?

Although there is no permanent cure, you can manage the condition with proper care and guidance from your healthcare provider. Physical therapy, medication, regenerative orthobiologic interventions and even surgery are some of the ways to manage this condition.

Is spinal stenosis life-threatening?

Spinal Stenosis compresses the spinal cord. Significant and irreversible nerve damage with loss of functionality and bowel bladder control can happen in the long run. So in a true sense it is not life threatening but it may cause serious disabilities.

Does walking help spinal stenosis?

Walking is preferable to resting if you have spinal stenosis as it prevents muscle wasting due to excessive rest. But if you suffer from pain and weakness in the limbs, it is wise to restrict your activities within the comfort zone.

How to sleep with spinal stenosis?

Sleeping in the fetal position might be the best option in certain cases. That is, with your arms encircling your knees and your knees tucked up to your chest.