Spine Stenosis

Spine Stenosis
What is Spine Stenosis?
Treatment Options
Recovery Time
Level of Activity after Treatment

What is Spine Stenosis?

Spine stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal. Spinal canal is a passage way for the spinal cord and the spinal nerves. Narrowing of the passageway causes pressure on the delicate spinal cord and nerves.

Symptoms of Spine Stenosis: Symptoms vary depending on the location of the narrowing. In the neck, spine stenosis compromises the spinal cord. Initially neck pain, followed by arm pain, numbness of hands and arms are some of the early presenting symptoms. Progressive pressure on the spinal cord can lead to loss of balance and disturbance of bowel and bladder function, with weakness in the arms and legs. Myelopathy is a term used to refer to this condition. In the lumbar spine (low back), stenosis causes crowding of the nerve roots. Low back pain, numbness and tingling in the legs and feet are some the early warning signals. Later on, individuals feel a sensation of heaviness in the legs with walking, relieved by sitting or bending forward. It is common to lean over the shopping cart or squat down to lessen the pain or numbness.

Causes of Spine Stenosis: In the younger individuals, usually a disc herniation is the primary cause of spine stenosis. Later in life, loss of disc height, overgrowth of the ligaments and joints that surround the spine canal are the culprit. Repetitive trauma to the disc causes loss of disc height and buckling of the tough band around the disc. Similarly, the laxity of the ligaments in the back of the spine canal push in and further contribute to the narrowing of the spine.

Diagnosis of Spine Stenosis: Diagnosis is based on the presenting symptoms. Because of its gradual nature, spine stenosis is suspected with gradual worsening of pain, numbness or general functional decline. X-rays, CAT scan and MRIs are helpful tests to evaluate and correctly diagnosis this condition.

Treatment Options

Rest, bracing, over-the-counter pain medications and weight management are some of the early interventions. With worsening pain or onset of muscle weakness and difficulty with walking, the next tier of treatment is directed by a spine specialist. It may involve pain management injections, physical therapy or surgical decompression.

Recovery Time

In case of a surgical treatment, cervical or lumbar decompression requires an overnight stay. You may be a candidate for outpatient surgery, in which case after a few hours of recovery room stay, you are released home. The first two weeks after surgery is a time to set aside for recuperation. Bending, lifting and twisting are avoided. During the first visit after surgery, Dr. Mohamed Mohi Eldin will go over the schedule for physical therapy and strengthening exercises.

Level of Activity after Treatment

During the first two week, patients are asked to avoid strenuous activities. Level of activity is gradually increased, with strengthening exercises and postural training. Most patients experience significant relief of numbness and heaviness after surgery. Most individuals are able to return to normal level of activity after the first month.

Why Select Dr. Mohamed Mohi Eldin?