Spinal Stenosis Treatment
Spinal Stenosis Treatment Albany, OR
Spinal stenosis is a common condition that affects many older Americans. It frequently occurs in the lower back and neck. Spinal stenosis treatment can relieve pain and prevent the disorder from progressing.
At Better Pain Solutions, Spinal Stenosis treatment is available for patients in Albany and the surrounding area. We can help treat both cervical stenosis and lumbar stenosis. To learn more about a procedure or schedule an appointment, call (541) 249-7317 today.
Spinal Stenosis Treatment Q&A
Spinal stenosis causes individuals to develop narrowed spaces within the spine, putting undue pressure on the nerves traveling throughout. The condition most frequently affects the lower back and neck. Some affected individuals experience no symptoms at all, while others experience symptoms that worsen over time.
There are two main types of spinal stenosis: cervical stenosis and lumbar stenosis. Cervical stenosis affects the area of the spine in the neck, while lumbar stenosis affects the part of the spine in the lower back. Lumbar stenosis is also more common than cervical stenosis. Spinal stenosis is usually (but not always) caused by normal wear-and-tear changes relating to osteoarthritis.
The back is a large area with many moving parts vulnerable to strain and injury. Physical condition, posture, lifestyle, work habits, and injury can all contribute to back pain. It tends to become more common as people age, compounded by the fact that so many Americans lead a sedentary lifestyle. Improper lifting and posture can also contribute to many people’s back pain.
Pain can range from a dull ache to an intense burning or stabbing sensation and can vary in intensity from mild to debilitating. Pain can radiate down a person’s legs or arms and worsen when bending or making certain movements. Back pain can cause numbness, stiffness, or weakness and can be either chronic or acute.
As mentioned earlier, many patients do not experience any symptoms of spinal stenosis. They may not know they have spinal stenosis until they see evidence on an MRI or CT scan. Symptoms may also occur gradually and worsen over time while also varying on what type of spinal stenosis the patient has.
Patients with cervical stenosis, or spinal stenosis in the neck, may experience the following symptoms:
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction (in severe cases only)
- Balance or walking problems
- Neck pain
- Numbness or tingling in an arm, foot, hand, or leg
- Weakness in an arm, foot, hand, or leg
On the other hand, the following are common symptoms in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, or spinal stenosis in the lower back:
- Back pain
- Numbness or tingling in a foot or leg
- Pain or cramping in one or both legs when standing for long periods or when walking that usually eases when bending forward or sitting
- Weakness in a foot or leg
As spinal stenosis affects the nervous system, it is crucial for anyone experiencing these symptoms to see a doctor immediately.
According to WebMD, osteoarthritis is the leading cause of spinal stenosis. Arthritis is a condition that breaks down bone cartilage and slows down the growth of bone tissue. Since it can lead to disc changes, bone spurs, and thickening of the spine ligaments, it can put undue pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Other common causes of spinal stenosis include:
- Herniated discs
- Injuries
- Paget’s disease
- Thickened ligaments
- Tumors
It is also possible to be born with spinal stenosis or other diseases that will lead to it. These people tend to develop problems in the age range of 30 to 50. There are also various risk factors for spinal stenosis, though these tend to vary with age.
While spinal stenosis may cause pain, it typically does not cause paralysis. Still, permanent numbness or paralysis is possible if the spinal cord has been compressed for a prolonged period.
As such, it is crucial to address spinal stenosis right away. If left untreated, severe cases of spinal stenosis will only progress. This may also cause permanent balance problems, incontinence, numbness, paralysis, or weakness.
It is always better to be prepared when meeting with a medical professional. If you can, prepare talking points ahead of time to give the chiropractor as much information as possible. Let them know when you first noticed your symptoms, whether they have worsened with time, and whether anyone in your family has experienced similar issues. You should also note if you have any preexisting conditions, take any medications or supplements, and if you have had any spinal surgeries or injections prior to this appointment.
Aside from age and osteoarthritis, some populations are more at risk than others. These include those with a history of spine injury, those who have previously had lower back surgery, and those with congenital spine conditions or other spinal problems. Genetic disorders of the limbs, degenerative disc disease, obesity, smoking habits, and poor posture also contribute.