Understanding spinal stenosis
The tunnel that passes through each vertebra in your spine is called the spinal canal. It has your spinal cord and nerve roots in it. The narrowing of the spinal canal is known as spinal stenosis.
In such conditions, your spinal cord or nerves may get inflamed, crushed, or pinched due to a tighter space. This can lead to back or neck discomfort and other nerve disorders, such as sciatica or arm pain, numbness, or even weakness in your limbs. A spinal canal narrowing can result from several illnesses and traumas.
Although it can afflict anyone, those over 50 are most likely to have spinal stenosis.
The two regions of your spine that are most frequently affected are:
Lower back (lumbar spinal stenosis):
The five vertebrae that make up your lumbar spine are in your lower back. The largest vertebrae in your spine are the lumbar vertebrae, L1 to L5.
Neck (cervical spinal stenosis):
The cervical spine comprises seven vertebrae. C1 to C7 are the labels on these vertebrae. Spinal stenosis can also occur in the thoracic spine of your middle back, but it is uncommon.
Symptoms
You may have any of the following symptoms in your hands, feet, arms, legs, neck, or back, depending on the location and severity of your spinal stenosis:
- Numbness and Pain
- Tingling
- Weakness
Typically, spinal stenosis progresses gradually. Due to this, even if it shows on imaging tests, you might not show obvious symptoms for some time. Each person may experience symptoms differently, and they may come and go.
Spinal stenosis of lumbar region symptoms include:
- Constant pain in the lower back.
- Sciatica – This is an ache that travels down your leg from your buttocks. It might go all the way to your foot.
- A weight sensation in your legs could result in either one or both legs cramping.
- Numbness or tingling (“pins and needles”) in your buttocks, leg, or foot.
- Pain that gets worse when you move or stand for extended periods or go downhill
- Pain that reduces when you lean forward, walk uphill, or sit.
- Neurogenic Claudication (impairment in walking, or pain, discomfort, numbness, or tiredness in the legs that occurs during walking or standing and is relieved by rest)
Anywhere below the site of nerve compression in your neck is where you can experience the symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis. Some of the symptoms of spinal stenosis in the cervical region symptoms are:
- Ache in the neck
- Tingling or numbness in your arms, hands, feet and/or legs
- Weakness in your arms, hands, feet and/or legs
- Balance problems.
- Reduced hand function, such as trouble with writing and buttoning shirts
Diagnosing spinal stenosis
Spine X-ray:
MRI
CT Scan:
Spinal stenosis treatment in Dubai
Non-Surgical Spinal stenosis treatment in Dubai:
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy involves targeted exercises to improve spine flexibility and strengthen supporting muscles, reducing pain and enhancing mobility. Additionally some physical therapies like warm and cold packs, electric and ultrasound stimulation etc. may be applied.
- Medications: Medications like NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and analgesics are prescribed to manage pain and inflammation associated with spinal stenosis.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections directly deliver anti-inflammatory medication to the affected area to relieve temporary pain and reduce inflammation.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight and practicing correct body mechanics, can reduce stress on the spine and alleviate symptoms.
Spinal canal stenosis surgery
- Laminotomy/Laminectomy: Laminectomy involves removing part of the vertebra to create more space in the spinal canal, relieving the pressure on nerves or the spinal cord.
- Spinal Fusion: Spinal fusion stabilizes the spine by joining vertebrae, reducing pain and addressing instability following decompression surgery.
- Foraminotomy: This surgical procedure widens the neural foramen (small window through which nerve exits the spine), relieving nerve compression.
All of these surgeries can be performed in minimally invasive techniques either endoscopic or microsurgical, which involve smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.
Also Read: What are the last stages of spinal stenosis?
Consult Dr. Martin Liner - an experienced spine doctor in Dubai
If you seek expert care and treatment for spinal stenosis in Dubai, consider consulting with Dr. Martin Liner.
Dr. Liner is a highly regarded spine doctor in Dubai known for his expertise in diagnosing and treating spinal stenosis.
His commitment to providing personalized care and utilizing advanced treatment options makes him a trusted choice for patients seeking relief from spinal stenosis symptoms.
