WHAT IS SPINAL STENOSIS
WHAT IS SPINAL STENOSIS
By Scott D. Tzorfas, M.D.
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of spaces in the spine, which causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. In many cases, stenosis compresses the nerve root, which can cause pain and numbness in the arms or legs. Cervical spinal stenosis can be more concerning as the spinal stenosis can cause compression of the spinal cord in the neck and can cause more serious signs and symptoms.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
There are many potential causes for spinal stenosis, including:
• Aging: With age, the body's ligaments (tough connective tissues between the bones in the spine) can thicken. Spurs (small growths) may develop on the bones and into the spinal canal. The gel-like material between the vertebrae (disc space) may begin to deteriorate. Arthritis of the spine also contributes to spinal stenosis.
• Instability of the spine: When one vertebra slips forward on another, that can narrow the spinal canal.
• Tumors of the spine: Abnormal growths of soft tissue may affect the spinal canal directly by causing inflammation or by growth of tissue into the canal.
• Trauma: Accidents and injuries may either dislocate the spine and the spinal canal or cause burst fractures that produce fragments of bone that penetrate the canal.
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis may result in neck or low back pain as well as pain in the extremities. Stenosis may pinch the nerves that control muscle power and sensation in the arms or legs. Additional symptoms may include:
• Frequent falling, clumsiness
• Pain and difficulty when walking
• Numbness, tingling, hot or cold feelings in the legs
▪ If the stenosis occurs in the cervical spine patients may have difficulty with manual dexterity (fine use) of the hands.
▪ Bowel or bladder incontinence
How Is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?
An MRI of the spine is the most effective way to diagnose spinal stenosis. A CT scan of the spine or myelogram may be necessary to visualize the bone structures of the spine in better detail. A nerve and muscle study called an EMG/NCV may be necessary to see if the nerve compression is affecting muscles in the body.
How Is Spinal Stenosis Treated?
Spinal stenosis can be treated several ways. Treatment options include:
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as naproxen or ibuprofen may help relieve symptoms. Medications such as Neurontion or Lyrica may be helpful as well.
• Rest: Rest, followed by a gradual resumption of activity, can help. Aerobic activity such as bicycling is often recommended.
• Physical therapy or Chiropractic therapy
• Changes in posture
• Surgery: If other treatments do not ease the pain, surgery may be recommended to relieve the pressure on affected nerves.
If you would like to learn how to care for this disease or any other neurological condition, please call at 609-463-8009 or 609-653-9595. My office is conveniently located at 4 Village Drive in Cape May Court House and 160 Shore Road in Somers Point.
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