Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal begins to narrow which in result causes the spinal cord to become compressed. Severe and chronic neck or back pain is a symptom of this condition.
Spinal stenosis can affect both the upper and lower areas of the spine. The common reason for this condition is aging which results in a gradual degeneration of the spinal components. As that takes place, the spinal canal narrowing begins to compress the spinal cord.[1]
Because of limited spaces, minor changes in the bone and soft tissues (spine ligaments) can result in compression of the affected spinal cord and nerve roots. This narrowing can also be genetic (congenital) or acquired (trauma, arthritis, tumor, bone disease) or a combination of both.
Classification of Stenosis
Stenosis can be classified by location of the disease as:
- Cervical spinal stenosis — Neck area
- Thoracic spinal stenosis — Mid-back region
- Lumbar spinal stenosis — Lower back region
Causes for Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is usually due to OA (osteoarthritis), which can cause a pinching of the spinal cord or emerging nerve roots. Stenosis is commonly seen in 50 years age groups. Usually, the narrowing is caused by spinal osteoarthritis, and the discs between the vertebrae (back bones). It can also be caused by a thickening of the ligaments in the back, as well as bulging discs that function to separate the vertebrae.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis present gradually but worsen over time. Pain may begin to radiate to other parts of the body including legs. The leg pain can become so severe that even walk short distances become difficult. Often, patients should sit or lean forward on a grocery cart, counter top or a walker to relieve pain temporarily.[1]
Conditions that can lead to spinal stenosis:
- Congenital: genetic predisposition, which results in a developmentally small spinal canal
- Herniated disk: protrusion a cartilage disk between vertebrae
- Cancer-malignancy
- Abscess: localized infection
- Osteophytes: formation of bone spurs associated with OA (osteoarthritis)
- Scarring and inflammation of spinal ligaments
- Systemic bone disease such as Paget disease
- Spondylolisthesis or instability of the spine: When one vertebra slips forward on another, which can narrow the spinal canal.
- Trauma: Injuries and accidents may either dislocate the spine or causes spinal fractures which can narrow spinal canal. Spinal fractures that produce fragments of bone that penetrate the canal.[2]
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Spinal stenosis causes back pain as well as pain in the lower limbs (legs). Stenosis may pinch the nerves roots that control muscle power and sensation in the legs.
Additional symptoms are:
- Frequent falling, clumsiness
- Pain and difficulty when walking
- Leg or arm weakness
- Numbness, tingling, cold or hot feelings in the legs
- Balance problems
- Low back pain while standing or walking[2]
Diagnosis of spinal stenosis
Consult an experienced spine specialist because an accurate diagnosis is essential to an efficient and successful treatment plan for spinal stenosis.
Your complete medical history and physical and neurological examinations are critical. You and your doctor should talk about your symptoms, severity, and the treatments tried. The doctor tests your reflexes and evaluating muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and signs of neurological injury.
Diagnostic tests may include X-ray, CT scan or MRI or myelography helps the spine surgeon to anaccurate diagnosis.[2]
Spinal Stenosis Treatment
Drug based treatment is usually tried first. The goal is to relieve your pain. Cortisone injections in the spine can reduce swelling. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen may help to relievepain.
Physiotherapy may also be an option. It can serve to the strengthening of muscles and stretching of your body.
Surgery: Surgery may be recommendedwhen there is:
- Spinal instability
- Pain and symptoms are unrelenting
- Non-operative treatment fails and pain persists
- Neurological dysfunction
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Surgery may be needed to relieve pressure permanently and to treat severe pain. Several types of surgeries are used to treat stenosis such as:
Laminectomy: It is the most common type of surgery. The region of the vertebrae is removed to provide more space for the nerves.
Foraminotomy: Is done to widen the part of the vertebrae where the nerves exit.
Spinal fusion: Is typically performed in the most severe cases. To treat affected bones of the spine bone grafts and metallic implants are used.[3]
Role of physiotherapy in spinal stenosis
The purpose of physical therapy is to relieve pain and allow you to return gradually to your daily activities. In spinal stenosis, physiotherapy involves treatment with physical or mechanical means, such as through exercise or heat. Physiotherapy may reduce pain in the soft tissues (such as the muscles, tendons,and ligaments), improve function, and build muscle strength. A physical therapist provides these treatments and also provides education, instruction, and support for recovery.[3]
Physical therapy techniques may include:
- Stretching, to reduce stress on joints
- Exercise, to strengthen muscles
- Heat therapy, to improve blood flow to the muscles and other soft tissues
- Ice therapy or cryotherapy to help relieve pain
- Manual therapy, including soft tissue manipulation or massage, to improve or keep arange of motion
- Aquatic or pool exercises, to allow your body to exercise without pressure on the spine
- Cycling and limited walking, to promote good physical conditioning
- Education, to help you improve and maintain good posture
Exercises and techniques that may help ease the symptoms of spinal stenosis and prevent progression of the condition include:
- Lower limb strengthening, which may helpto avoid falls
- Stretching
- Pelvic tilts and lower back stabilizing
- Frequent changes of position, to prevent sustained postures that compress the spine
- Planning ahead so that you take breaks in between potentially back-stressing activities such as walking and yard work
- Proper lifting, pushing, and pulling
Your doctor or a physical therapist designs a program specific to your normal level of activity, physical fitness, and severity of pain.[3]
Conclusion
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal) is a common cause of low back pain and neck pain affecting some of our young adults and many of our elderly. The diagnosis is made by history and physical examination with radiographic confirmation. It can treat effectively in most cases non-operatively. In certain incidents, surgery may be an effective option. Treatment goals include pain management and improvement in function, mobility, and overall quality of life.
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References
- Spinalstenosis Kim, Sung-Lana; Lim, Richard D.Disease-a-Month, Volume 51 (1) – Jan 1, 2005
- Lumbar spinalstenosis in the elderly: an overview Szpalski, Marek; Gunzburg, Robert European Spine Journal, Volume 12 (2) – Oct 1, 2003
- Physical therapy treatment options for lumbar spinalstenosis Tomkins, Christy C.; Dimoff, Katherine H.; Forman, Holly S.; Gordon, Emily S.; McPhail, Jennifer; … [+]Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Volume 23 (1) – Jan 1, 2010
Dr. Kaleem Mohammed graduated as a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2014 from Deccan College of Physiotherapy, affiliated to Dr. N.T.R. University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, India. Dr. Kaleem is an expert at handling physiotherapy needs of patients suffering from orthopedic and spinal conditions and post-surgery rehabilitation. Dr. Kaleem is associated with HealthClues since its inception where he facilitates diagnosis and advanced consultation with senior doctors. He is also a medical researcher and prolific writer who loves sharing insightful commentaries and useful tips to educate the patient community about fitness, treatment options, and post-treatment recovery.
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