Spinal Stenosis
The Truths Behind Spinal Stenosis
By Neurosurgery Singapore
What is consider as spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. It occurs most often in the lower back and the neck.
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is wear-and-tear changes in the spine due to osteoarthritis. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to create more space for the spinal cord or nerves.
What are some symptoms related to spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis usually affects your neck or lower back. Not everyone has symptoms, but if you do, they tend to be the same: stiffness, numbness, and back pain.
More specific symptoms include:
- Sciatica. These shooting pains down your leg start as an ache in the lower back or buttocks.
- Foot drop. Painful leg weakness may cause you to “slap” your foot on the ground.
- A hard time standing or walking. When you’re upright, it tends to compress the vertebrae, causing pain.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control. In extreme cases, it weakens the nerves to the bladder or bowel.
“Many people with spinal stenosis lead full lives and remain active. However, they may need to make modifications to their physical activity.”
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What types of treatments?
The treatment of spinal stenosis depends entirely on the cause of the problem. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you understand the cause of your symptoms before embarking on a treatment program. If you are unsure of your diagnosis, or the severity of your condition, you should seek medical advice with our Spine Specialist before beginning any treatment.
Non-Surgery
Pharmaceutical treatments are typically the first approach, aiming to relieve pain. Injections into the spinal column can reduce swelling, while anti-inflammatory drugs help manage discomfort.
Physical therapy may also be an option. It can strengthen muscles and gently stretch your body.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary for severe pain or neurological loss, and it can provide permanent relief by alleviating pressure. Several surgical options are available to treat spinal stenosis:
- Laminectomy is the most common type of surgery for spinal stenosis. During the procedure, the surgeon removes part of the vertebra to create more space for the nerves, alleviating pressure and reducing pain.
- Foraminotomy is a surgical procedure performed to widen the openings in the spine where the nerves exit, relieving pressure and reducing pain.
- Spinal fusion is typically recommended for severe cases, especially when multiple levels of the spine are affected, to prevent instability. During the procedure, bone grafts or metal implants are used to fuse the affected vertebrae together.
Things you can do to manage your pain
Spinal stenosis can gradually lead to muscle weakness in the legs. The severe pain it causes can be disabling, even without muscle weakness, significantly impacting your ability to work and enjoy daily activities. While the condition progresses slowly over time and currently has no cure, there are steps you can take to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. For example:
- Get moving. Regular exercise is very important, so do it often – at least three times a week for about 30 minutes. Start slowly with flexion-based (forward-bending) exercises. As you begin to feel stronger, add walking or swimming to your plan.
- Modify your activity. Don’t do anything that can trigger or worsen pain and disability such as lifting heavy objects or walking long distances.
- Explore non-surgical options first except in rare cases when pain, weakness and numbness comes on quickly.
