The several causes of spinal stenosis have one thing in common: they alter the anatomy of the spine, resulting in a narrowing of the area around your spinal cord and nerve roots that emerge through the spine. Compression or pinching of the spinal cord or nerve roots results in low back pain and sciatica symptoms. Some of the causes of Roswell spinal stenosis include:
1. Bulging disks or herniated disks
A flat, spherical cushioning pad (vertebral disk) is located between each vertebra and serves as a shock absorber along the spine. The gel-like interior of these disks breaks through a weak or torn outer layer because of age-related drying out and flattening of your vertebral disks or cracking in the outer border of the disks. The bulging disk then compresses the nerves around the disk.
2. Bone overgrowth or arthritic spurs
Osteoarthritis is a “wear and tear” disorder that causes cartilage breakdown in your joints, including your spine. Cartilage is the protective covering of joints. As the cartilage wears away, your bones start to scrape against one other. Your body responds by producing new bone. Bone spurs on your vertebrae expand into the spinal canal, reducing the space and compressing nerves in the spine. Paget’s disease of the bone can also induce bone overgrowth in the spine, squeezing the nerves.
3. Spinal injuries and fractures
Broken or dislocated bones, and inflammation caused by injuries to the spine, can limit the canal space or put pressure on spinal nerves.
4. Spinal cord cysts or tumors
Growths in the spinal cord or between the vertebrae can reduce the space and exert pressure on the spinal cord and its nerves.
5. Congenital spinal stenosis
This is a congenital disability in which a person is born with a narrow spinal canal. Scoliosis is another congenital spinal condition that might put you at risk for spinal stenosis (an abnormally shaped spine).
Treating spinal stenosis
Your spinal stenosis treatment will most likely begin with prescription medication. Cortisol injections into the spine can help minimize edema. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve discomfort. A physician may also suggest physical therapy to help strengthen and stretch your muscles. If you have significant pain or weakness, your doctor may propose surgery. Additionally, most people will be able to control their illness with nonsurgical therapies.
Preparing for your spinal stenosis operation
To speed your healing after spine surgery, quit smoking if you smoke and exercise regularly (after consulting with your healthcare professional first). Ask your clinician whether you should discontinue non-essential drugs, supplements, or herbal therapies that may interact with anesthesia. Also, never hesitate to ask your healthcare staff questions or address any issues you may have.
Many patients with spinal stenosis live active and complete lives. To assist manage your symptoms, you may need to modify your workout program or other daily activities. Your clinician may recommend drugs, physical therapy, or surgery to ease pain and other symptoms. After treatments, including surgical procedures, you may feel persistent discomfort. Consult a doctor to learn more about your treatment choices and prognosis. Call Apex Spine and Neurosurgery or book your appointment online to determine which spinal stenosis procedures suit you.
