When the bone apertures for your spinal nerves (foramen) and the spinal cord (central canal) grow small, you have spinal stenosis. This constriction, which can occur anywhere along your spine, may compress your spinal cord or spinal nerves. Spinal stenosis Memorial Area is a disorder that is more common in adults over 60 and tends to deteriorate over time. Here are some typical indications and symptoms to look out for if you fear you have spinal stenosis. You may notice one or more of the following signs depending on the kind and location of the stenosis:
- Emanating pain via one side
When the pain is largely or wholly on one side, mainly through the buttock, thigh, and calf, the culprit might be sciatica, which indicates spinal stenosis. Sciatica is a disorder caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, the biggest nerve in the human body, and most likely to be impacted by spinal injuries since it originates in the lumbar area (lower back), the spine’s most susceptible location. Pain radiates down one side of the body, perhaps to the toes, when the sciatic nerve is compressed anywhere (often in the buttock or close to one of its nerve roots in the lower spine).
- Numbness and pain in the lower legs
Neurogenic claudication, or lower leg cramps and discomfort caused by nerve injury, is a typical symptom in situations of spinal stenosis. Symptoms of neurogenic claudication include:
- Pain when taking long strides.
- Backward bending causes more pain.
- Reduced pain with rest or while lying down.
- Pain when performing tasks when upright.
- Standing discomfort and numbness.
Other ways to relieve neurogenic claudication include bending forward or flexing the spine (such as while squatting, curling up, sitting on, or leaning on a cart or walker). Cramps can also produce claudication due to vascular problems, such as diabetes. A differential diagnosis is required to identify whether spinal stenosis is the primary cause of the discomfort.
- Foot drop
Foot drop owing to motor weakness may develop from compression of the lower spine’s L4 and L5 nerve roots. This ailment usually generates a weakness when attempting to move the foot or toes upward. As a result, the individual may unintentionally drag their foot or trip while walking. The S1 nerve root compression may produce weakness when walking on tiptoes.
- Loss of excellent motor skills
Spinal stenosis in the cervical spine can make it difficult to do tasks requiring fine motor skills in the hand, such as buttoning a shirt. Writing may become problematic in the advanced stages, eventually making holding a pen impossible. If these symptoms seem similar, consult your doctor immediately since spinal stenosis can worsen if left untreated.
When spinal stenosis is not severe, treatment choices might range from pain medication and physical therapy to addressing daily and work-related activities to lessen the likelihood of symptoms increasing. Conversely, more severe instances may necessitate minimally invasive procedures ranging from epidural injections to nerve blocks. Surgery is only indicated or required when severe neurologic impairments or prompt care are necessary to save limb function when more conservative alternatives are no longer viable. Call Expert Pain to schedule your appointment today to determine which spinal stenosis treatment suit you.
