5 Common Causes of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is more frequent in elderly persons; however, it can also afflict younger people in rare situations.Spinal stenosis Memorial Area mainly affects the lower (lumbar) spine, although it can also affect the neck (cervical) spine and, less often, the chest spine (thoracic). The following are the most prevalent causes of spinal stenosis:

.1.Degenerative disc disease: Our spinal discs naturally degrade as we age. Degenerative disc condition is diagnosed when disc degeneration produces pain and discomfort. Spinal discs dry up and flatten as they age, decreasing the gaps between vertebrae where nerves escape from their spine trip. Degenerating discs can also protrude into the spinal canal, irritating nerves or impeding spinal cord movement.

2.Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis of the spine impacts the facet joints that link neighboring vertebrae. The cartilage covering the joint bones begins to erode and wear away with age and wear and strain, producing discomfort, edema, and inflammation in the joint. Complete cartilage loss eventually leads to excruciating bone-on-bone contact. The body strives to heal the joint injury by generating extra bone, which causes bone spurs to grow on and around the facet joints. These bony outgrowths can extend into the spinal canal, reducing the amount of room available for nerves to travel.

3.Herniated disc: When a spinal disc breaks or ruptures, the inner, jelly-like substance leaks into the spinal canal, resulting in disc herniation. The soft substance can irritate or push on nerves or the spinal cord, obstructing nerve passage via the canal.

4.Thickened ligaments: The ligaments that sustain the vertebrae thicken and stiffen with age and degenerative changes caused by arthritis. Thick ligaments can put pressure on adjacent nerves or the spinal cord. Furthermore, specific ligaments may break and collapse into the spinal canal, decreasing the available areas.

5.Spinal deformity: A spinal deformity such as scoliosis increases the likelihood of having spinal narrowing.

Spinal stenosis is not reversible or curable. However, several therapeutic methods are available to alleviate pain and discomfort, relieve pressure on pinched nerves, and increase spinal space.

How to diagnose spinal stenosis

Your doctor will inquire about your issues and do a thorough physical exam to diagnose spinal stenosis. Your healthcare practitioner will search for indicators of spinal stenosis during the physical exam, such as loss of feeling, weakness, and abnormal reflexes. These tests aid in the diagnosis:

• X-rays of your spine. These may include bone spurs that press on spinal nerves or a spinal canal narrowing.
• Imaging examinations – A CT or MRI scan can provide a more thorough picture of the spinal canal and nerve systems.
• Other research – A bone scan, myelogram (a CT scan obtained after injecting dye), and EMG (an electrical test of muscle activity) may be ordered by your doctor.

Physical treatment, therapeutic activities like yoga, and massage therapy are all options for relieving back pain. However, before commencing an exercise regimen, it is critical to consult with a doctor or physical therapist. Back pain can also be relieved by limiting activities and utilizing assistive equipment such as braces and canes. Call Expert Pain or book a consultation to learn more about spinal stenosis treatments.