Spinal Canal Stenosis

Spinal Canal Stenosis is a condition where the lumbar nerve canal (space along the back bone containing nerves that go down to the hips and legs) becomes too narrow. The actual narrowing of the canal is called stenosis. As the canal narrows, the nerves in the canal get squeezed, causing back and leg pain, sometimes with weakening of the legs.

Spinal Canal Stenosis Symptoms

Spinal Canal Stenosis patients commonly experience symptoms of back pain, leg pain, tingling or numbness. Symptoms of spinal canal stenosis usually start during standing or walking. As the legs get used more, the nerves can get inflammed and swell up, creating even more pressure within the already narrow spinal canal. Weight gain is a common complication from spinal canal stenosis as the patients have reduced ability to perform physical activity. Pain may be consistent throughout the day and cause mental distractions as well as physical pain. In some cases, spinal canal stenosis can affect bowel movements and digestion as it interferes with the brain's ability to properly handle that as well.

Spinal Canal Stenosis Causes

The most common of cause of a narrowing spinal canal are related to degeneration and the aging process like Osteoarthritis that causes spine joints to deteriorate, disk degeneration where vertebrae couchons flatten and bulge, or thickened spinal ligaments that help hold the bones of your spine together can become stiff and thick over time.

Other causes of spinal stenosis are Paget's disease where the body generates new bone at a faster than normal rate, producing brittle bones prone to fractures and deformities. Another cause of spinal canal stenosis is Achondroplasia which is a genetic disorder that slows the rate of bone growth during childhood, resulting in dwarfism.

Spinal tumors can cause spinal canal stenosis by compressing the spinal cord and nerve roots. Impact injuries can cause dislocations or vertebrae fractures that may damage the contents of the spinal canal.

Spinal Canal Stenosis Treatement

Simple treatment for spinal canal stenosis is rest. Some people's symptoms get better after sitting or lying in the fetal position. The fetal position opens the lumbar canal, letting the body heal itself and relieve the inflammation. If rest does not work, a good option is to try yoga or physical therapy to strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture. Another approach is over-the-counter or prescription pain and anti-inflammation medicine.

In case of severe symptoms, steroidal injections may be prescribed by a doctor and if they do not help, spine surgery may be an option.