This is the narrowing of the spinal canal which houses the spinal cord. This narrowing reduces the amount of space for the spinal cord and nerves, and the added pressure can lead to pain, weakness and impaired sensation. Up to half a million people in the United States have symptoms of spinal stenosis.
The condition often occurs naturally over time due to aging or as a result of past injury or conditions wearing down the body. As a result, it is most commonly found in those over the age of 50.
Others who are at increased risk include women, individuals with prior spinal injury, people who have osteoarthritis or other conditions affecting the spine, and those who were born with a naturally narrow spinal canal.
Stenosis can occur anywhere in the spine. But it most commonly affects the neck area (cervical spinal stenosis) or the lower back area (lumbar spinal stenosis). Symptoms are typically similar to other age-related conditions, so a careful diagnostic is important to ensure individuals get the treatment they need. This will include a full medical history and discussion of symptoms.
Treatments (see below) vary depending on location, severity and specific symptoms the patient experiences. Physical therapy is frequently a recommended treatment to build strength, improve endurance and lessen pain.
Cervical stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. This causes numbness, tingling or weakness of the arms and hands. Individuals may or may not have pain in the neck itself. It often creates difficulty in maintaining balance.
Degeneration from the aging process is the primary cause of cervical stenosis. Injury or trauma may also cause the condition. The result is changes in the neck’s structure that alter its function.
Lumbar stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back (the lumbar region). This is the most common form of spinal stenosis. It can cause tightness in the thighs, buttocks and legs muscles and causes a forward flexed posture. The pain associated with lumbar stenosis is caused by nerve compression. Symptoms often increase while standing or walking; lying down or sitting typically reduce the pain.
Stenosis usually progresses gradually over a long period of time due to factors such as age and overuse. Some people are born with the condition, which is called congenital spinal stenosis (cervical or lumbar). Spinal osteoarthritis is another degenerative condition that can cause bone spurs resulting in lumbar stenosis.
The following conditions increase the risk of spinal stenosis.
The severity of spinal stenosis varies from individual to individual but may include:
If the individual is suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above, he or she should not delay in speaking with a doctor. Our therapists can help a patient determine if spinal stenosis is the likely cause of symptoms, but a physician will need to make a formal diagnosis.
If untreated, symptoms such as pain or weakness can worsen over time, causing further disability. In severe cases, it can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including bladder control issues, paralysis and death.
If an individual is experiencing any symptoms, a thorough evaluation and (if diagnosis is confirmed) treatment plan is vital.
The diagnosing physician will often prescribe physical therapy. Physical therapy helps to strengthen the back and core muscles, aid flexibility, reduce pain, and improve balance, stability and normal function. Our physical therapist will likely test muscle strength and joint range of motion to determine the severity of pressure on nerves or the spinal cord.
At Spine & Sport, our team of physical therapists will create an individual exercise program to help patients based on their prognosis, goals and activities. For example, a physical therapist can teach proper posture with walking and educate patients on when it is appropriate to take breaks in order to improve their level of function.
Many patients benefit from physical therapy not only to reduce symptoms of this disease but also to improve balance, muscle endurance and flexibility in the spine. A full exercise program may involve a combination of the following.
Learn more about physical therapy exercises
If physical therapy does not provide relief, the patient’s doctor may recommend medication in combination with physical therapy or surgery.
If an individual suffers from mild spinal stenosis, the healthcare provider may suggest self-care remedies. Self-care remedies may include:
Patients should seek medical attention if they are experiencing any of the symptoms of spinal stenosis. A physician can help diagnosis the condition, typically with the use of imaging.
In case of severe spinal stenosis, the diagnosing physician may prescribe oral medications, steroid injections and decompression surgery. Milder symptoms are effectively managed through nonsurgical means, such as pain medication, activity modification, physical therapy and injections. If the symptoms of spinal stenosis are difficult to manage, the healthcare provider may suggest surgery, although most individuals with spinal stenosis do not need surgery.
All of our clinics in Southern & Northern California offer spinal stenosis treatment and services.
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