Do you experience pain in your neck or lower back that also seems to be associated with occasional or persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness? If so, you might be suffering from spinal stenosis—the clinical term for the narrowing of the spinal canal.
When one or more of the spaces within the spinal canal become narrowed, pressure may be placed on the spinal cord and/or the nerve roots that branch out of it to carry signals between the brain and other parts of the body. Such nerve compression can result in pain and discomfort that greatly impacts mobility and the performance of activities ranging from household routines to competitive athletics.
At the New Jersey Spine Institute, our world-class team of spine doctors specializes in innovative spinal stenosis treatment for patients of all ages. After reading an overview of the condition below, schedule an initial consultation to learn more!
Overview Of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of one or more spaces in the spinal canal—the fluid-filled passage within the spinal column that protects the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Compression of the spinal cord and nerves caused by spinal stenosis may lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the neck, back, and/or extremities (arms and legs).
The 3 primary types of spinal stenosis are:
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis – The narrowing of spinal canal space within the 7 vertebrae of the neck (C1 to C7).
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis – The narrowing of spinal canal space within the 5 vertebrae of the lower back (L1-L5).
- Foraminal Stenosis – The narrowing of one or more foramina—the openings in the vertebrae through which nerve roots exit the spinal canal. Foraminal stenosis is frequently diagnosed alongside lumbar spinal stenosis.
Spinal stenosis can often be treated conservatively using methods such as physical therapy or steroid injections. In more severe cases, a surgical treatment approach may be recommended.
Symptoms
The symptoms of spinal stenosis vary from patient to patient, depending on the location and severity of the condition. Often, they develop gradually over time and may come and go before becoming more persistent. In some cases, patients may have spinal stenosis without experiencing any symptoms at all.
Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling
In The Neck
Cervical stenosis may be characterized by the following:
- Neck pain
- Numbness, weakness, or clumsiness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Balance problems
- Motor control issues
- Decreased dexterity in the hands
- Difficulty lifting the arms in the air
- Problems with bladder/bowel control and/or sexual function
In The Lower Back
Lumbar stenosis may be characterized by the following:
- Lower back pain
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time
- A heavy feeling and/or pins and needles in the buttocks, legs, or feet
- Sciatica
- Pain that improves when seated or leaning forward
Causes
Spinal stenosis is the leading diagnosis for adults over the age of 65 undergoing spine surgery and commonly stems from wear and tear associated with aging or degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis or Degenerative Disc Disease. That being said, its many causes can also include:
- Traumatic injuries
- Traumatic injuries can damage vertebrae and/or spinal tissues, leading to displacement or inflammation that narrows the spinal canal.
- Congenital or hereditary conditions
- Certain conditions may result in a narrow spinal canal at birth or lead to the development of spinal stenosis at a young age.
- Spinal cysts/tumors
- Spinal cysts and tumors may take up physical space in the spinal canal, placing pressure on the spinal cord/nerve roots.
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Bulging or herniated discs can encroach on the space in the spinal canal, causing an increase in pressure on the spinal cord.
- Thickened ligaments
- Thickened ligaments can develop due to aging and may compress the spinal canal.
- Cartilage loss
- Cartilage loss can lead to inflammation and the development of bone spurs that narrow the spinal canal.
Risk Factors
While spinal stenosis is not always preventable, certain factors can put patients at higher risk of developing the condition. These include:
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- Age – Age is one of the primary risk factors for developing spinal stenosis. The majority of spinal stenosis patients we work with at the New Jersey Spine Institute are over the age of 50, though the condition can affect individuals of any age, depending on the circumstances.
- Lifestyle Factors – Factors such as poor posture, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase stress on the spin, raising the risk of spinal stenosis.
- Smoking – Research has demonstrated that the prevalence of spinal stenosis is higher in the smoking population.
Conclusion
Spinal stenosis is a relatively common spinal condition that can stem from a wide variety of different causes and take a dramatic toll on mobility and quality of life. If you are seeking a leading spinal doctor in New Jersey to provide a definitive diagnosis for your symptoms and develop a customized treatment plan that will put you on the quickest road to recovery, schedule an appointment at the New Jersey Spine Institute today! We look forward to working with you.