Spinal Stenosis
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
The spine, a row of 26 bones in your back, allows you to stand up straight and bend over. The spine also protects your spinal cord from being hurt. In people with spinal stenosis, the spine is narrowed in one or more of three parts:
- The space at the center of the spine
- The canals where nerves branch out from the spine
- The space between vertebrae (the bones of the spine).
This narrowing puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves and can cause pain.
Who Gets Spinal Stenosis?
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?
How Is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?
Who Treats Spinal Stenosis?
What Are Some Nonsurgical Treatments for Spinal Stenosis?
When Should Surgery Be Considered?
What Are Some Alternative Treatments for Spinal Stenosis?
What Research Is Being Done on Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis explained
Spinal stenosis (or narrowing) is a common condition that occurs when the small spinal canal that contains the nerve roots and spinal cord becomes restricted. This narrowing can squeeze the nerves and the spinal cord causing lower back and leg pain. In general, spinal narrowing is caused by osteoarthritis, or "wear and tear" arthritis, of the spinal column. This results in a "pinching" of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots.
People suffering from spinal stenosis have trouble walking any significant distance, and frequently must sit or lean over forward on a grocery cart, countertop or assistive device such as a walker. While there are no cures, there are many therapies available.
Fast facts- Spinal stenosis is typically the result of osteoarthritis causing a pinching of the spinal cord.
- There are no cures for spinal stenosis, but therapies can assist in regaining mobility and comfort.
- Exercise is of paramount importance in the treatment of spinal stenosis.
Source: American College of Rheumatology - Spinal stenosis clearly explained ...
Spinal Stenosis of the Back - watch introduction video
Spinal stenosis is when the spine closes in and pinches the spinal cord or the spinal roots. Central spinal stenosis of the lumbar (lower back) can make the lower legs hurt so it feels like poor circulation -- called "pseudoclaudication". Arthritis is the main cause of spinal stenosis and there isn't a good cure. Physical therapy, NSAIDS, and steroid injections are used first but if that fails, surgery is considered
Source: google video - watch this video about Spinal Stenosis ...
Spinal Stenosis site
A condition due to narrowing of the spinal cord causing nerve pinching which leads to persistent pain in the buttocks, limping, lack of feeling in the lower extremities, and decreased physical activity.
Source: spinalstenosis.org - a complete site dedicated to Spinal Stenosis ...
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