CHECK-UP:Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the bony structure that protects the spinal cord and nerves
I have a back problem which my doctor thinks may be spinal stenosis. Although I’ve looked it up on the internet I am confused by the terminology. Can you explain what this is in simple language?
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the bony spinal canal that contains and protects the spinal cord and spinal nerves. When the spinal canal narrows, it places pressure on the spinal nerves, causing pain. The pain associated with this condition may range from an ache to an “electric” feeling down the arm or leg. There are two types of spinal stenosis – congenital and acquired.
Acquired stenosis is more often seen in older people as a result of thickening of the joints due to disc degeneration, disc space narrowing, and excess bone deposits due to inflammation. Congenital stenosis occurs from birth and is extremely rare.
I’m over 60, so I presume it’s the acquired variety.
Spinal stenosis usually affects older people. Symptoms can include back pain with leg pain and weakness that occur when you walk. The pain may become increasingly severe with standing and walking, and can usually be relieved by a short period of rest. The symptoms of weakness, pain, pins and needles, coldness or loss of sensation in the limbs, are caused by bone compressing nerve tissue. Unlike disc disease and other kinds of backache, spinal stenosis generally becomes more painful over time.
I’ve already had an X-ray but am being sent for some additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. What other tests are usually needed?
An X-ray, CT scan, EMG (a test of muscle function) or MRI scan are the tests most commonly used to diagnose spinal stenosis. However, as the symptoms of spinal stenosis may mimic those of peripheral vascular disease, your doctor may order a Doppler test to out rule that disorder.
What are my treatment options?
The treatment of stenosis, like the treatment of other painful back disorders, consists of both conservative therapies and surgical interventions. Conservative therapies include rest and graded exercise, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, and for some, support from a corset or back brace. If these treatments do not relieve the symptoms, then a surgical procedure called a spinal decompression may be recommended. However, surgery may not offer complete relief from pain.