Spinal Stenosis - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment!

What is spinal stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal in which the spinal cord and nerves are present, is called as spinal stenosis. This leads to pressure on the nerves and the spinal cord. Majority of cases of spinal stenosis are seen in the cervical and lumbar spine. In the lower back in some cases, it leads to pain and weakness of the leg, which occurs due to constriction of the nerve roots.

Causes of spinal stenosis: It can be caused by aging and degenerative changes, arthritis, trauma to the spine, spondylolisthesis and tumour of the spine.

Symptoms of spinal stenosis: There is constant pain in the back and legs as stenosis pinches the nerve responsible for sensation and muscle power to the spine and legs. Other symptoms are numbness and tingling in the legs, frequent falling and pain while walking.

Treatment of spinal stenosis:

1. A routine program with exercises and physical therapy are the best treatment for spinal stenosis. The exercises are not a complete cure but they are beneficial in keeping the patient active and reducing the rate of degeneration. A physical therapy can be supervised and once the period of the same is over, people easily transition to the exercise program. The key for exercise is starting slowly in order to build up muscle strength.
2. Generally, the patients are counselled not to perform strenuous activities as that might worsen the symptoms of spinal stenosis. In case of lumbar stenosis, patients find it comfortable when they FLEX FORWARD. The doctor might recommend walking while being bent over and leaning when using a walker, sitting in recliners is also recommended instead of straight back chairs.
3. Injections of cortisone are usually given in the epidural space. This is believed to relieve the symptoms of spinal stenosis temporarily. This is still being pondered over by the doctors as a suitable treatment option as it has its own benefits and risks.
4. Medications such as the anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin are helpful in controlling the symptoms of spinal stenosis. Narcotic drugs might also prove to be helpful if used with care and for a short while. This is helpful for severe pain related to the nerves. Muscle relaxants and gabapentins might also be recommended. In some case antidepressants in small doses might also be given to provide relief from pain. 

Though side effects are a concern when using these medicines, the patient should let the doctor knows about their allergies.