Spinal Stenosis
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When the bone channel, occupied by the spinal nerves or spinal cord, narrows, can occur, known as Spinal Stenosis can cause radiating pain, numbness and weakness.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the bone channel, occupied by the spinal nerves or spinal cord, becomes narrow. The lower back develops lumbar stenosis, and the neck develops cervical stenosis. Cervical Spinal Stenosis is rarer—and more dangerous—than lumbar spinal stenosis, however both conditions are painful. Lumbar stenosis has symptoms similar to sciatic—pain, tingling, numbness and/or weakness, which radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and legs. Cervical stenosis can lead to serious problems, including weakness, and even paralysis. While a very few people may not feel the painful effects of the narrowing of the bone channel, others with the condition are likely to notice radiating pain, weakness, and possibly numbness from Spinal Stenosis.
Causes and Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis is related to spine degeneration, usually becoming noticeable in the fifth decade of life and onward. Because it tends to be a gradual process, it may not be immediately apparent, however you may experience a gradual decrease in physical activity because of the pain, and could also develop a forward-flexed posture. Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis include:
- Rather than continuous pain, your Spinal Stenosis pain could come and go
- Spinal Stenosis pain tends to develop slowly, over time
- Spinal Stenosis pain is more likely to manifest when you are walking, biking, or engaging in any activity where you must hold your head upright
- Usually the pain of Spinal Stenosis subsides when you sit down, lie down, or place your body in any kind of forward flexed position
A Diagnosis for Your Spinal Stenosis
In addition to a thorough medical exam and a detailed patient history, your doctor may consider an MRI or CT scan with myelogram—or both. Upright MRIs, spinal load-bearing MRIs and flexion extension MRIs are sometimes used to gain additional information regarding your Spinal Stenosis.
Treatments for Spinal Stenosis Pain
When OTC treatments, such as ice, heat and NSAID use, have failed to stop the pain of spinal stenosis, the Seattle Pain interventional pain management specialists will develop a comprehensive pain treatment program to help you return to your normal life. Our goal is to help you avoid surgery, while helping you manage your pain. The traditional and non-traditional treatments we may use include:
- Selective nerve root blocks
- Facet joint injections
- Epidural steroid injections
- Spinal cord stimulations
Are you suffering the effects of painful spinal stenosis?
Contact Our Seattle Pain Management Specialists
At Seattle Pain, our primary goal is to relieve your pain and help you improve your quality of life. Call Seattle Pain today.
