Spine stenosis is a debilitating condition which generally appears in millions of people age 50 and older.The painful affliction, which can limit mobility and cause near constant discomfort, can have a detrimental affect on your quality of life. But with focused treatment, the pain that often comes with spine stenosis can be minimized.

Spine stenosis occurs when pressure is put on the spinal canal and nerve roots because of the space around the spinal cord narrowing.It can result in pain, cramps and numbness in the lower back, legs and buttocks, or higher on the body in the neck, shoulders and arms. Typical activities such as walking become painful ordeals, especially over long distances or extended periods of time.Those with more severe cases may experience problems with their balance when walking, or or with evacuating or urinating – or both.

Those areas of the body to which the nerves of the spinal cord connect directly are the areas where patients with spine stenosis most commonly experience pain.One of the more commonly known symptoms of spine stenosis is sciatica, a searing pain which runs downward through the buttocks and leg.

The most common reason for surgery in the US for people age 60 and older, spine stenosis occurs naturally in people age 50 and up.Younger people sometimes contract a congenital form of the condition, and a variation called a “stinger” sometimes affects athletes. A stinger is caused by a strong blow to the head or neck.

Leaning forward while sitting or standing is a way sufferers of spine stenosis have of temporarily easing the pain, because some of the pressure is taken off the spinal column.When this adjustment is made, it increases the space around the spinal cord.Standing or beginning to walk, however, are all that’s needed to make the pain return.

Your doctor can run several tests to determine the extent of the spine stenosis. Your medical history may yield valuable data, and the doctor will perform other tests. One such test measures your range of movement and any paid caused in the process. Other tests will explore any numbing or weakness, and whether your reflexes have been impacted.The doctor may also request a CAT scan or MRI.

The doctor’s recommendation of surgical or non-surgical treatment will be based primarily on the information learned from the tests, but the level of pain the patient’s experiencing plays a major role as well.A wide variety of therapies, including exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles connected to the spine, and massage therapy, are included in a program of non-surgical treatment.Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed and even acupuncture can be utilized to relieve the pain.

The surgical treatment called for in extreme cases consists primarily of spinal fusion and laminectomy.Spinal fusion is the fusing together two or more vertebrae. This improves stability and prevents painful motion.Laminectomy is the removal of bone spurs and ligaments that are compressing the nerve. The result is more room for the nerve root.

The condition of spine stenosis is an affliction that will have an enormous and debilitating effect on many of the millions of people it attacks.But with proper treatment, involving surgical or non-surgical procedures, the condition can be kept in check allowing suffers to lead a normal life.

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