Leading Edge Treatments for Spinal Stenosis
About Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck and in those 50 and older.
Spinal stenosis does not result in any symptoms for some, while others experience numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and pain. Unfortunately, symptoms can become worse and have a greater impact on an individual’s quality of life.
Spinal stenosis is most often caused by wear-and-tear in in the spine related to osteoarthritis. In severe cases of spinal stenosis, doctors may recommend surgery to create additional space for the spinal cord or nerves, but there are innovative advancements available to those suffering from stenosis.
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Types of spinal stenosis
According to where on the spine the condition occurs, is how the types of spinal stenosis are classified. With spinal stenosis, it is possible to have more than one type. The two main types of spinal stenosis are:
Cervical stenosis
Characterized by narrowing in the part of the spine in your neck.
Lumbar stenosis
The most common form of spinal stenosis characterized by narrowing in the part of the spine and in the lower back.
Symptoms
Many people, even those without symptoms, may have evidence of spinal stenosis on an MRI or CT scan. When they do occur, they often start gradually and worsen over time. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the stenosis and which nerves are affected.
In the neck (cervical spine)
- Numbness or tingling in a hand, arm, foot or leg
- Weakness in a hand, arm, foot or leg
- Problems with walking and balance
- Neck pain
- In severe cases, bowel or bladder dysfunction (urinary urgency and incontinence)
In the lower back (lumbar spine)
- Numbness or tingling in a foot or leg
- Weakness in a foot or leg
- Pain or cramping in one or both legs when you stand for long periods of time or when you walk, which usually eases when you bend forward or sit
- Back pain
When to see a doctor
If you have any of the symptoms listed, it is advised that you go see a doctor.
Causes
Your spine (backbone) runs from your neck to your lower back. The bones of your spine form a spinal canal, which protects your spinal cord (nerves).
The majority of spinal stenosis occurs when something happens to narrow the open space within the spine. Some people are even born with a small canal. Causes of spinal stenosis may include:
Overgrowth of bone
Wear and tear damage from osteoarthritis on your spinal bones can prompt the formation of bone spurs, which can grow into the spinal canal. Paget's disease, a bone disease that usually affects adults, also can cause bone overgrowth in the spine.
Herniated disks
The soft cushions that act as shock absorbers between your vertebrae tend to dry out with age. Cracks in a disk's exterior may allow some of the soft inner material to escape and press on the spinal cord or nerves.
Spinal injuries
Car accidents and other trauma can cause dislocations or fractures of one or more vertebrae. Displaced bone from a spinal fracture may damage the contents of the spinal canal. Swelling of nearby tissue immediately after back surgery also can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Tumors
Abnormal growths can form inside the spinal cord, within the membranes that cover the spinal cord or in the space between the spinal cord and vertebrae. These are uncommon and identifiable on spine imaging with an MRI or CT.
Thickened ligaments
The tough cords that help hold the bones of your spine together can become stiff and thickened over time. These thickened ligaments can bulge into the spinal canal.
Risk factors
The majority of people with spinal stenosis are over the age of 50. Degenerative changes can cause spinal stenosis in younger people, however other causes need to be considered. These causes may include congenital spinal deformity such as scoliosis, trauma and a genetic disease affecting bone and muscle development throughout the body. Spinal imaging can help to differentiate these causes.
Complications
Rarely, untreated severe spinal stenosis may progress and cause permanent:
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Balance problems
- Incontinence
- Paralysis
Treatment
Interventional pain management techniques can be a faster and more definitive method of pain relief for spinal stenosis. These treatments are useful for severe pain that has failed conservative medical treatment and/or medication. If you believe you are suffering from spinal stenosis you should consult a qualified physician.
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
Under fluoroscopic guidance, your physician will place a small needle into the epidural space and inject a small amount of medication to eliminate the pain
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
An electrical pulse is delivered directly to the spine, blocking certain neuron fibers’ access to the brain and consequently the brain’s ability to sense the previously perceived pain
Superion
Leading-edge therapy for spinal stenosis - With Superion, the incision is the size of a button hole and patients go home a few hours later with little down time
Major Surgery
Treatment
Interventional pain management techniques can be a faster and more definitive method of pain relief for spinal stenosis. These treatments are useful for severe pain that has failed conservative medical treatment and/or medication. If you believe you are suffering from spinal stenosis you should consult a qualified physician.
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
Under fluoroscopic guidance, your physician will place a small needle into the epidural space and inject a small amount of medication to eliminate the pain
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
An electrical pulse is delivered directly to the spine, blocking certain neuron fibers’ access to the brain and consequently the brain’s ability to sense the previously perceived pain
Superion
Leading-edge therapy for spinal stenosis – With Superion, the incision is the size of a button hole and patients go home a few hours later with little down time
