One of the roles of the spine is to serve as a channel protecting the spinal cord. The vertebrae and discs have a special shape to create a hollow space as they are stacked one on top of the other. Various conditions can reduce this space, putting pressure on various nerves. This condition is called spinal stenosis.
At our Raleigh spine center, our doctors have various treatment options, including surgery for the most severe cases. In this article, we will discuss this health condition and how to recognize its signs.
What Are the Causes of Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is often caused by the autoimmune condition called arthritis. This condition affects the joints, by causing swelling and inflammation. In time, due to everyday wear and tear, the swelling hardens and reduces the range of motions in the affected area of the spine.
Other conditions that may trigger spinal stenosis are:
- Bone spurs – extra bone growth on the spine
- Herniated discs – when the soft substance inside the discs between the vertebrae leaks out
- Spinal injuries
- Tumors developing on the spine
Spinal stenosis is usually localized in the cervical spine (in the neck) and in the lumbar spine (in the lower back).
Risk Factors for Developing Spinal Stenosis
This condition is usually related to older age. People over 50 are significantly more at risk of developing it than younger age groups. However, even young people may develop spinal stenosis if they suffer from scoliosis or other spinal conditions.
The Most Common Neurological Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
The doctors at our Ralegh spine center know that some patients do not experience symptoms of spinal stenosis. For this reason, they do not go to the doctor for a long time. When they start experiencing severe stiffness and reduced range of movements, the condition has advanced significantly and requires surgery.
In general, the symptoms of spinal stenosis depend on the area where it appears.
If spinal stenosis affects the neck, the usual symptoms are:
- Numbness
- Tingling or weakness in one of the limbs
- Neck pain
- Loss of balance and unsteady walking
- Poor control over the bladder or bowels
If the lower back is affected by stenosis, the patients often experience pain and cramping in the legs. The pain gets worse as you stand up still or walk for a long period of time. Also, it starts getting better when you sit down or bend forward.
In some cases, lower back stenosis may cause back pain.
Surgical Options for Spinal Stenosis
As we mentioned above, in advanced stages, the only treatment for spinal stenosis is surgery. Depending on the location and the specific nature of the condition, the recommended surgeries for this condition are:
1. Laminectomy
During laminectomy, the surgeon will remove the lamina – the back part of the affected vertebrae. This will effectively enlarge the space for the spinal cord. In some cases, when a large portion of the bone tissue must be removed, the surgeon will also connect the vertebrae with other nearby vertebrae using a bone graft or metal hardware.
2. Laminotomy
In some cases, the surgeon only needs to remove a part of the lamina. This is the case when the spinal stenosis is not extremely advanced. It is one of the reasons why you should not wait too long after you experience the first symptoms of the condition.
3. Laminoplasty
This type of surgery is used only for spinal stenosis affecting the neck. The surgeon will enlarge the space in the spinal cord canal by creating a hinge on the lamina. To do this, the surgeon will insert metal hardware to bridge the gap in the opened section.
The Doctors at Our Raleigh Spine Center Can Resolve Spinal Stenosis!
Spinal stenosis is a progressive condition – the more you ignore it, the worse it gets. In the most advanced stages, it can be incredibly debilitating, by causing pain and reducing your range of motions.
The doctors at our Raleigh spine center know how to treat this condition, either by minimally invasive treatments in the early stages or surgically. Call us today to schedule your first appointment: 800-800-8000!
