Spinal stenosis is a very common but debilitating condition where the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause chronic pain, numbness, and mobility issues. While it’s often age-related changes in the spine, spinal stenosis can happen to anyone at any age and can ruin your life. Getting help from an Atlanta physical therapist can be key to managing spinal stenosis.
In this blog, we’ll go over the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for spinal stenosis, from conservative to surgical, so you can learn how to manage it and improve your life.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a medical condition where the spaces in your spine narrow and put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It can happen in different areas of the spine, including the thoracic and lumbar spine, and most often in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine). Spinal stenosis develops over time due to wear and tear as we age but can also be caused by injury, congenital issues, or conditions like osteoarthritis.
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
As we age our spine undergoes changes that can cause stenosis. The most common cause is osteoarthritis which wears down the cartilage between the vertebrae and causes bone spurs to form that narrow the spinal canal. Other causes are herniated discs, ligament thickening, and previous spinal injuries.
Types of Spinal Stenosis
There are two types of spinal stenosis based on the location of the spine:
- Cervical Stenosis: Occurs in the neck and affects the arms, hands, and legs.
- Lumbar Stenosis: Occurs in the lower back affects the legs and causes difficulty walking.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the location and severity of the narrowing in the spine. Symptoms develop gradually and worsen over time as the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves increases. Here are the symptoms of spinal stenosis.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Lumbar stenosis occurs in the lower back and affects the legs. Common symptoms are lower back pain, leg pain, and muscle weakness. Many patients also experience tingling or numbness that radiates down the legs. In advanced cases walking becomes difficult and symptoms like leg cramps or “foot drop” can occur where it’s hard to lift the front part of the foot.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Cervical stenosis affects the neck and can cause symptoms in the upper body. Patients often complain of neck pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands. In severe cases, cervical stenosis can cause hand coordination and balance problems. If it worsens patients may have bladder or bowel control issues due to spinal cord compression.
Mobility and Walking
Spinal stenosis has a big impact on a patient’s ability to move and walk. As the condition progresses and the pressure on the spinal nerves increases mobility issues become more pronounced. These can affect daily activities and lead to long-term complications if left untreated.
Walking
One of the most common mobility issues with spinal stenosis is walking. This is more common with lumbar stenosis where nerve compression in the lower back causes weakness, numbness, and pain in the legs. Walking for long periods can be painful and patients may feel their legs are heavy or weak. In advanced cases, some patients develop “foot drop” where it’s hard to lift the front part of the foot and increases the risk of tripping.
Pain with Movement
Pain is a hallmark of spinal stenosis and worsens with movement. Walking, standing, or climbing stairs can increase pressure on the spinal nerves and intensify the discomfort. For many patients, this pain radiates down the legs or arms depending on where the stenosis is in the lumbar or cervical region. But pain improves when sitting or leaning forward which temporarily relieves pressure on the nerves.
Diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis
Diagnosis of spinal stenosis involves a thorough evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and imaging tests to determine the degree of spinal canal narrowing and its effect on the nerves. Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment and management. Consulting with a physical therapist for personalized exercises and safe practices is also crucial to enhance recovery and improve daily function.
Physical Examination
The diagnostic process starts with a physical examination. The doctor will ask about the patient’s symptoms, when the pain occurs, how it affects movement, and what activities make it worse or better. A physical examination may include testing of reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory responses to assess nerve function. The doctor will also observe the patient’s gait and ability to perform movements like bending, stretching, or walking.
Medical History
A thorough medical history is important in diagnosing spinal stenosis. Doctors will ask about past injuries, previous surgeries, or any underlying conditions that may contribute to the development of stenosis like osteoarthritis or herniated disc. Age and family history are also considered as spinal stenosis often occurs in individuals over 50 years old.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are usually needed to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays can show bone changes like bone spurs or narrowing of the spinal canal. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can show soft tissues like the spinal cord and nerves and can assess the degree of nerve compression. Computed Tomography (CT) Scans can also be used to get a cross-sectional view of the spine and show where the canal has narrowed.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Spinal Stenosis
Non-surgical treatments for spinal stenosis aim to relieve symptoms and improve mobility without surgery. These non-invasive options are usually the first line of treatment and can be effective for many patients, especially in the early stages of the condition.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy with a physical therapist is key in managing spinal stenosis. A targeted exercise program can strengthen the muscles that support the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the affected nerves. Stretching and strengthening exercises focus on the core, lower back, and leg muscles which can relieve pain and improve overall function. Physical therapists may also use manual therapies like massage to relieve muscle tension and increase circulation in the affected areas.
Pain Management
Medications are used to manage the pain and inflammation of spinal stenosis. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. In more severe cases doctors may prescribe stronger medications like muscle relaxants or nerve pain medications to target specific symptoms. However, these medications are usually used for short-term relief due to side effects.
Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections are another non-surgical treatment option for spinal stenosis. These injections deliver corticosteroids directly into the space around the spinal cord, reducing inflammation and relieving nerve compression. Steroid injections are usually recommended for patients with moderate to severe pain that has not responded to other treatments. While they provide significant short-term relief, the effects of steroid injections are temporary and repeated use may be limited due to side effects.
Surgical Treatments for Spinal Stenosis
When non-surgical treatments fail to relieve the symptoms of spinal stenosis or when the condition progresses to a severe stage, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Several surgical options are available, each addressing the underlying causes of stenosis to restore mobility and relieve pain.
Decompressive Laminectomy
Decompressive laminectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures for spinal stenosis. In this procedure the surgeon removes part of the vertebra, the lamina, to create more space in the spinal canal. This relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, reduces pain, and improves mobility. Decompressive laminectomy is usually recommended for patients with severe symptoms who have not responded to non-surgical treatments.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is sometimes done in conjunction with decompressive laminectomy to stabilize the spine. In this procedure, two or more vertebrae are fused using bone grafts or hardware like metal plates or screws. This eliminates movement between the fused vertebrae and prevents further nerve compression. While spinal fusion can relieve pain it also limits the range of motion in the affected area.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery is an option for some patients with spinal stenosis. This approach uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to do the same procedures as traditional open surgery like laminectomy or spinal fusion. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery are shorter recovery time, less scarring, and less post-operative pain. Patients may also have fewer complications like infection or excessive bleeding compared to traditional surgery.
Foraminotomy
A foraminotomy is a procedure to enlarge the openings in the vertebrae where the nerves exit the spinal canal. In spinal stenosis, the openings, called foramina, can become narrowed due to bone spurs or thickened ligaments and compress the nerves. By widening the foramina this procedure relieves pressure on the affected nerves and reduces pain, numbness, and weakness in the extremities.
Discectomy
In cases where a herniated disc is contributing to spinal stenosis a discectomy may be done. This procedure involves removing part of the herniated disc that is compressing the spinal nerves. Discectomy can be done as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with a laminectomy or spinal fusion depending on the patient’s condition. It is commonly used in both cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis to relieve nerve compression.
Treat Your Pain At Our Atlanta Medical Clinic Today!
If you’re experiencing symptoms of spinal stenosis or struggling with mobility issues, don’t wait to seek professional care. Visit our Atlanta medical clinic today to consult with our experienced specialists. We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to help relieve your pain and restore your mobility.
Schedule your appointment now at 678-929-4494!
