Also known as spinal narrowing, spinal stenosis is characterized by the contraction of the spaces in the spine. This leads to the nerves in the spinal column being under pressure. In most cases, spinal stenosis usually affects the lower back and neck, and it can cause severe back pain that can limit your mobility considerably.
This can be a result of a combination of factors including elongating facet joints, ligamentum flavum (extension of the spine ligaments), bone spurs, and bulging discs.
There are two types of spinal stenosis named according to the part of the spinal column that the narrowing occurs.
Cervical stenosis: This type of spinal stenosis occurs in the neck part of the spine.
Lumbar stenosis: This is the most common kind of spinal stenosis, and it occurs in the back in the lower part of the spine.
It is crucial to note that some patients with spinal stenosis might not exhibit the symptoms associated with the condition.
In such cases, only a CT scan or MRI can give a correct diagnosis.
But in other patients, the following symptoms are easily diagnosed, and they vary in severity according to the nerves affected and the area of the stenosis. Let’s look at some of these symptoms.
In the Cervical Spine (In the Neck)
- Weakness in the limbs (feet, legs, arms or hands)
- Neck pain
- Tingling and numbness in the limbs
- Lack of balance and coordination while walking
- In more severe cases, there is usually bladder and bowel incontinence
In the Lumbar Spine (Lower Back)
- Back pain in varying degrees
- Tingling and numbness in the limbs (feet or legs)
- Weakness in the legs and feet
- Cramping and pain in one or both legs, especially when you stand for long periods or walk long distances. This pain usually reduces when you sit or bend forward.
Depending on the age of the patient and the factors contributing to spinal stenosis, patients now have a lot of treatment options available to help deal with the pain. Contact Spine Center of Texas today for an evaluation in San Antonio, Seguin, or New Braunfels.
