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he Ultimate Guide to Spinal Stenosis: Why You Need to Know These Key Symptoms Right Awa
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal or neural foramen is abnormally narrowed, which can lead to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs, and symptoms usually develop gradually and are relieved by leaning forward. Extreme symptoms may also include loss of bladder control, bowel control, or sexual dysfunction. But do you really understand the root cause of these symptoms and their possible consequences?
Spinal stenosis is a disease that cannot be ignored and is common in people over 50 years old. It affects the waist, neck and even the mid-back, with symptoms and treatments varying depending on the location.
Types of spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is generally divided into three types: cervical stenosis, thoracic stenosis and lumbar stenosis. Among them, lumbar spinal stenosis is the most common, followed by cervical spinal stenosis, while thoracic spinal stenosis is relatively rare. Lumbar stenosis compresses nerve roots in the lower back and may cause sciatica, a pain in the lower back that radiates to the buttocks and legs. Cervical stenosis, by contrast, carries a higher risk and can compress the spinal cord and cause more severe symptoms, such as extreme weakness and paralysis.
Symptoms of cervical stenosis may sometimes evolve into myelopathy, which can lead to weakness in the hands and feet, or even loss of mobility.
Common symptoms
Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include discomfort when standing, pain in shoulders, arms, and hands, symptoms on both sides, and numbness and weakness. In some cases, symptoms become more severe and may affect the ability to operate the bladder and bowels.
Neurological diseases
For example, myelopathy caused by cervical spine (spondylosis), main symptoms include "numb and clumsy hands," decreased balance and loss of bladder and bowel control. These conditions worsen and may even lead to paralysis.
Cause
Congenital factors
A spinal canal that is too small at birth or a deformity of the vertebral structure may lead to spinal stenosis.
Natural aging process
As we age, various factors can cause the spinal space to narrow, such as ligament thickening, bone spur formation, intervertebral disc herniation, etc.
Arthritis
For example, degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the health of the spine, leading to narrowing conditions.
Diagnosis and examination
The process of diagnosing spinal stenosis usually involves a detailed history and physical examination, along with X-rays and MRIs to determine the extent and location of nerve compression.
MRI is currently the most commonly used test for diagnosing spinal stenosis. It can show more structures including nerves, muscles and ligaments.
Treatment methods
Treatments for spinal stenosis can be divided into two categories: surgical and non-surgical. The effectiveness of various non-surgical treatments needs further study, but methods including patient education, medication, exercise and physical therapy can help relieve symptoms. Surgical treatment is mainly for patients whose symptoms cannot be improved by other means.
Spinal decompression surgery, such as laminectomy, usually provides good results in 70-90% of patients.
Epidemiology and prognosis
According to research, the incidence of spinal stenosis in the United States is approximately 3.9%. For patients who did not have surgery, three-year follow-up studies showed that about one-third of patients improved, about half had no change in symptoms, and 10 to 20 percent of patients actually had their condition worsen.
As you think about the options and implications of facing spinal stenosis, are you ready to take appropriate actions to improve your quality of life?
