Symptoms of Vertebral Stenosis include headaches, back pain, and numbness in the legs. Treatments include surgery to repair the spinal column. A doctor will also prescribe medications to control the inflammation and ease the symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of vertebral stenosis vary, depending on the area of the spine affected. Generally, the pain is in the legs, but it can also affect the neck and upper back. The symptoms may also be caused by inflammation and pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
In some cases, the symptoms of vertebral stenosis can be relieved by using physical therapy. The aim of physical therapy is to improve posture, strengthen the back, and reduce painful symptoms. If the symptoms are severe, patients can be prescribed medication or cortisone injections.
People with vertebral stenosis often experience pain in their legs, especially when they are walking. They may also have trouble moving up or down. When they bend over, they are unable to fully support their weight. This can lead to a decrease in blood flow to the spinal cord and nerves.
Some people experience numbness or weakness in their arms or legs. This may occur when the spinal cord or a nerve root is pinched. They can also feel a burning pain in their lower back, legs, or buttocks. It may also cause difficulty with bowel control.
If the condition is diagnosed early, it can be treated. Some people opt for conservative treatments such as muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medications, and prescription medication. In some cases, surgery is required. In many cases, conservative treatment can be a very effective option.
A spinal stenosis diagnosis can be made on the basis of clinical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Depending on the severity of the stenosis, a patient can be referred to a spinal specialist. The specialist will provide a treatment plan that will help relieve the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
If the symptoms of vertebral stenosis do not respond to medical treatment, a surgical procedure is an option. This procedure, called a bulging discectomy, is performed on an outpatient basis and can be completed in as little as two hours. The procedure involves the removal of part of a bulging disc to relieve pressure on the nerve root.
Fortunately, spinal stenosis can be successfully treated through conservative methods. Patients should carefully follow their physician’s instructions and be aware of any side effects of medications.
Diagnosis
Several different imaging techniques have been developed for the diagnosis of vertebral stenosis. Although they each have different sensitivity and specificity, they are all designed to help detect the presence of stenosis. However, there is no single technique that is the gold standard, and the most effective treatment approach depends on the individual patient.
CT angiography (CTA) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) are two of the most commonly used noninvasive imaging techniques. They have excellent sensitivity and specificity for the detection of vertebral artery stenosis. CE-MRA is considered the most sensitive noninvasive method for the detection of stenosis.
Duplex ultrasound is another noninvasive imaging technique. It has high specificity and low sensitivity but has a limited ability to image the vertebral artery.
In contrast, intra-arterial angiography is the current gold standard, but it is often invasive and has a higher risk of complications. Other imaging methods such as myelograms and magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in some cases.
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis. This condition causes degenerative changes in the spine as the aging process progresses. These changes can lead to numbness, weakness, and pain. These symptoms can be controlled with conservative treatments.
In some patients, surgery can be performed to correct the stenosis. Surgical techniques include the removal of a bone spur, widening the space between the vertebrae, and fusion of the vertebrae. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and can be completed in as little as two hours. The procedure is usually administered under general anesthesia.
MRI is also a very helpful tool for confirming the diagnosis of vertebral stenosis. Using powerful magnets, it provides detailed images of the soft tissues and bones. It can also provide information about the nerve roots and the spinal cord.
If a symptom persists for a long time, a more invasive surgical technique may be required. In some cases, this procedure involves the removal of a disc herniation. This minimally invasive procedure causes minimal muscle damage and allows the physician to remove the disc with very little risk.
The best treatment for stenosis is to prevent it from worsening. Maintaining a proper weight, exercising, and not smoking can help slow down the progression of the disease. Taking analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications may also help reduce pain and swelling.
Treatments
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can be severe, and you may require treatment. Treatment can range from medicine to surgery. Your doctor will discuss your options with you. You might also consider physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you strengthen your core muscles and teach you safe, effective ways to move. They can also assess your posture and recommend stretches to target specific areas of your back.
Your doctor might order an imaging test, such as a CT or MRI. These tests will provide detailed images of the nerves and disks in your spine. They can also show tumors and damage to ligaments.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines are also sometimes used to ease pain and inflammation. You might also try anti-seizure drugs. These can relax muscles and reduce the pain caused by damaged nerves.
Chiropractic care is another option. Chiropractors manipulate your spine to relieve stress on the nerves. Some people find chiropractic treatments helpful, while others find them to be ineffective. You might also try acupuncture. Acupuncture works by inserting needles into your body to stimulate your acupuncture points.
Other treatments include exercise and pain medication. Some medications, like gabapentin, have been shown to be helpful in reducing the pain and swelling caused by spinal stenosis. Other treatments include steroid injections to reduce swelling.
Surgical treatments can be a last resort. You might need to have a spinal fusion if you suffer from severe disabling pain. Your surgeon will determine if you need surgery based on your symptoms, your general health, and the skills of the surgeon.
Using these procedures can help you feel better quickly. But they can’t address the root of your pain. A better approach is to combine extensive stretching with medication and interventional pain management software. You might also need to make changes to your daily habits.
Your doctor will decide whether you need surgery to treat your spinal stenosis. Depending on your medical history, you may have to undergo a physical exam, imaging test, or surgery. You will be anesthetized during the procedure. The amount of time needed for the surgery will vary, and many patients can go home on the same day.
Complications
Having spinal stenosis can cause pain in your back, legs, and arms. In addition, you may have trouble walking and bowel control. In some cases, you will develop numbness in your hands. These complications can be permanent.
Spinal stenosis usually occurs due to aging. However, other factors can contribute to its development. These include injury, diseases, and a herniated disk.
If you are experiencing low back pain, it is important to consult your doctor to determine if you have spinal stenosis. A CT scan with a myelogram can confirm the diagnosis. This will allow your doctor to treat the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
A condition called spondylosis can also cause spinal stenosis. Spondylosis is a degenerative disease of the spine that affects most people over age 60. It causes the bones in your spine to weaken, resulting in the formation of bone spurs. These bone spurs can squeeze the spinal cord and the nerves that run through the spinal canal.
In many cases, a nonsurgical treatment approach can provide significant relief. This approach involves physical therapy, which will help to strengthen the spine and increase its support. It also can involve an epidural steroid shot, which will help to reduce swelling and irritation of pinched nerves.
Surgery can be an option for patients who do not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Depending on the severity of your spinal stenosis, surgery can alleviate the pressure on the spinal cord. The most common surgical method is a laminectomy. A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part of the vertebra.
The results of the surgery will depend on the surgeon’s experience, the location of the spinal stenosis, and your general health. You should discuss your treatment options with your physician before undergoing surgery.
You should also consider your recovery plan. Some surgeries require a long hospital stay, while others are less invasive. The results of the surgery will also depend on your doctor’s experience, your commitment to the recovery process, and your overall health.
The rate of spinal stenosis surgery increased eightfold between 1979 and 1992. The rate was particularly high among black patients, who were 14 percent more likely to have post-surgery complications.
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