Spinal Stenosis is a pathological condition which begins to arise slowly but its symptoms start getting worse with time. Patients may feel intolerable pain in their legs, so much so that it becomes difficult for them to walk over the smaller distances. They have to sit or bend forward frequently to relieve pain.
What do we mean by Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal Stenosis is a condition characterized by narrowing of the open spaces within the spine which in turn, pressurizes the spinal cord and nerves that pass through the spine. This contraction happens when either the growth of tissues or bone or both minimizes the size of the openings, which ultimately leads to the compression or irritation of the spinal cord itself or the nerves branching out of the spinal cord.
Which are the factors leading to Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal Stenosis usually happens when certain conditions lessen the space within the spine. Conditions and factors leading to Spinal Stenosis include:
- Changes in the shape and size of spinal canal due to aging
- Drying of the disc due to age
- Thickening of bones and ligaments of spine
- Enlargement of bones and ligaments due to arthritis or prolonged swelling
- Pushing backward of the discs between the bones into spinal canal
- Congenital Defect; i.e. defect in the growth of spine since birth
- Paget’s Disease of bones
- Past episodes of Herniated or Slipped disk
- Small spinal canal since birth
- Tumours in the spine
- Spinal Injuries causing fracture or dislocation of one or more vertebrae
- Degenerative Disk Disease (Spondylosis)
What are the symptoms associated with Spinal Stenosis?
If either the spinal cord or the nerves are compressed, following symptoms may arise including:
- Numbness, weakness, cramping or pain in the legs, feet, buttocks, calves or thighs or in the neck, shoulder or arms as well
- Pain worsens with regular walking or bending backward
- Loss of flexibility and tingling sensation
- Weakness in the part of leg or arm
- Foot Drop; i.e. person may have the feeling that his foot slaps on the ground while walking
- Resting or leaning forward improvises the pain
- Low Back Pain
- Stiffness in the legs or thighs
- Loss of bladder and poor bowel control in severe cases
- Poor balancing while walking
What are the treatment options available to treat Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal Stenosis if not treated properly can cause traumatic pain that can inhibit person’s routine activities like walking, travelling or exercising. Doctors usually advise Physical Therapy treatment to treat Spinal Stenosis. Surgery is rarely advised as it does not ensure proper relieve from pain. A well-organised Physical Therapy treatment program may include:
- Hot or cold packs are applied to relieve inflammation and pain flare-ups
- Wearing of neck or back braces may be advised
- Stretching and Strengthening exercises are prescribed to reduce pain and to strengthen the muscles of neck
- Deep Tissue massage is recommended
- Low-impact exercises like; swimming or walking are prescribed
- Exercises aimed at building up endurance, maintaining flexibility and stability and improving balance are administered
- Patients are counselled to avoid the activities that worsen the symptoms
Contact Accessible Physical Therapy Services for the proficient and state-of-art treatment of any of your musculoskeletal or neurological pain or discomfort. Our patient-proven and customized treatment procedures assist you to regain your functionality and get you back to your normal life as healthy as before.
