What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces in your spine become narrower. Your spine has a tunnel called the spinal canal, which holds your spinal cord. When the space in this canal shrinks, it can put pressure on your spinal cord and the nerves that branch off from it, causing pain, numbness and other problems with your nerves.
When the spinal canal gets too tight, it can irritate or pinch your spinal cord or nerves, which often leads to back pain or conditions like sciatica (pain that travels down your legs). Spinal stenosis can happen for several reasons, including age-related changes, injuries or conditions that affect the spine.
While anyone can develop spinal stenosis, it’s most common in people over 50 years old, as the spine naturally changes and wears down over time.
Spinal stenosis most often affects two areas of your spine:
- Lower back (lumbar spinal stenosis): The lower back is made up of five large vertebrae (bones) that support most of your body’s weight. If the space in this area narrows, it can cause pain or weakness in your lower back and legs.
- Neck (cervical spinal stenosis): The neck has seven vertebrae. When the space here shrinks, it can cause pain or numbness in the neck, shoulders, arms and hands, and may even make it harder to walk or maintain balance.
Spinal stenosis symptoms
For most people, spinal stenosis symptoms develop slowly over time, and some may not experience any symptoms at all.
The symptoms you feel depend on where the narrowing occurs in your spine. If the narrowing is in the lower back, symptoms may include:
- Lower back pain
- A burning or aching pain that travels down the buttocks and legs, often getting worse when standing or walking and improving when leaning forward
- Numbness, tingling or cramping in the legs and feet, which may be more noticeable when standing or walking
- Weakness in the legs and feet
If the narrowing occurs in the neck, symptoms can include:
- Neck pain
- Numbness or tingling that moves down the arms into the hands
- Weakness in the hand, arm or fingers
Symptoms may worsen when standing, walking or extending the lower back, but they can improve with sitting or bending the lower back or neck, as this position “opens up” the spinal canal, creating more space for the nerves.
In more severe cases of spinal stenosis, you may also experience problems with:
- Urinary incontinence
- Fecal incontinence
- Problems with sexual function
When to see a doctor
See a neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine specialist for an evaluation if you experience any of the symptoms above. Seek care immediately if you have severe symptoms such as worsening pain or tingling, incontinence or difficulty walking.
What causes spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces in your spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Normally, the spinal canal provides enough space for the spinal cord and the nerves that branch off it. However, several factors can contribute to the narrowing of this space, including aging, injury and other health conditions.
How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?
To diagnose spinal stenosis, your doctor will start by discussing your symptoms and reviewing your medical history. They’ll also perform a physical exam to assess your spine, movement and nerve function. To get a better view of your spine, your doctor may recommend imaging tests, which help confirm if spinal stenosis is the cause of your symptoms and guide the development of the best treatment plan for you.
Spinal stenosis treatment
There are several treatment options for spinal stenosis, and the best approach depends on the cause, location and severity of your symptoms. If your symptoms are mild, your healthcare provider may start with at-home care options. If these methods don’t provide relief or if your symptoms worsen, your provider may suggest physical therapy, medications or injections. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended if other treatments are not effective in relieving your discomfort and improving function.
Find specialized spinal stenosis care near you
Baylor Scott & White offers several convenient locations across North and Central Texas for spinal stenosis care. Whether you're seeking neurology, orthopedic or spine care, our specialized centers are here to provide expert diagnosis and personalized treatment tailored to your needs.
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