The spine gives your body structure and provides support to enable you to stand up. Without it, you cannot move freely and bend with flexibility. As we age, the spine’s structure changes, causing a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord. This is called spinal stenosis.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can worsen over time. Some doctors may recommend surgery, depending on the severity of the case. Let’s talk about the different types of spinal stenosis and how you can protect your spine.
Spinal Stenosis and Its Causes
Spinal stenosis is usually caused by osteoarthritis or wear and tear that occurs in the spine due to aging. These changes in the structure of your spine can lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal. The decrease in space can pinch and irritate the spinal cord and nerves, leading to back pain or sciatica.
Other common causes of spinal stenosis include:
- Bone overgrowth or spurs
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Thickened ligaments
- Fractures and injuries
- Tumors
Most cases of spinal stenosis occur in older adults. However, younger people can also develop spinal stenosis due to degenerative changes, trauma, congenital spinal deformity, and genetic diseases.
Types of Spinal Stenosis
The classification of spinal stenosis depends on the location of the nerve compression. There are two main types of spinal stenosis: cervical spinal stenosis and lumbar spinal stenosis.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
This type occurs when the spinal canal becomes narrow in the neck or the cervical spine. Trauma and injury may contribute to the development of cervical spinal stenosis. Bad posture and an unhealthy lifestyle also increase your risk of developing this type of spinal stenosis.
Symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis include:
- Neck pain
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the arm, hand, leg, or foot
- Weakness of the arm, hand, leg, or foot
- Loss of movement function in hands, such as the ability to write and button a shirt
- Balance problems
- In severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel control
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
This type is characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal in your lower back. Lumbar spinal stenosis results in pain and irritation and is the most common type of spinal stenosis.
Symptoms of lumbar canal stenosis include:
- Lower back pain, which may feel like a dull ache or a burning sensation
- Sciatica, where the pain starts in the buttocks and radiates down the leg and foot
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the leg or foot
- Weak leg or foot as the spinal stenosis worsens
- Pain from standing, walking, or running for an extended period
- In severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel control
The development of spinal stenosis is a slow process, and you might not notice the symptoms immediately. If you are at risk of developing this condition, look out for the symptoms listed above and consult a doctor.
Pain Clinic in Melbourne, Florida
Spinal stenosis can hinder your movement, which can make your life difficult. Nonetheless, you don’t have to endure the pain. Pain management doctors can provide many solutions for spinal stenosis.
Here at Central Florida Spine & Pain, we offer the Vertiflex and MILD® procedures to address back pain from spinal stenosis. Our highly-skilled, friendly, and compassionate team is committed to providing you with the quality care you need.
To schedule an appointment, call us at (321) 802-5021. We look forward to helping you alleviate your pain.
