If you have pain in your back or neck from arthritis, you could be developing spinal stenosis. In this condition, the spinal canal, which protects the spinal cord, gets narrower and compresses the spinal cord and its nerves. Bone growths on the vertebrae may intrude into the spinal canal.
The resulting nerve pain can be severe, affecting daily life. Stenosis most often shows up in the neck and the lumbar (lower back) area.
Causes of spinal stenosis
Following are four of the most common causes of spinal stenosis.
Arthritis
Your physical body is a complex machine, and its systems wear out over time. By the age of 50, most adults have spinal degeneration to a degree, although some people have no symptoms.
Most cases of spinal stenosis occur after age 60 when osteoarthritis is present. Arthritis is characterized by inflammation and injury to cartilage and tendons, and bone spurs may develop in areas where inflammation is present. The bone spurs can invade the spinal canal.
Paget’s disease
Paget’s disease, which disrupts normal bone growth and cell replacement, can result in misshapen and brittle bones. As the shape of the bone changes, it may become partially lodged in the spinal canal. Paget’s disease is associated with aging. It’s fairly common in adults, second only to osteoarthritis in terms of bone diseases.
Herniated discs
Spinal discs are filled with soft material that cushions the space between each vertebra. Degeneration due to age, a condition such as scoliosis, or an injury can cause discs to crack. The protective material seeps out into the spinal canal and places pressure on the spinal cord.
Previous injury or spinal surgery
If you’ve been in a car accident or have had a sports injury affecting your back or neck, your vertebrae could have sustained a fracture. A sliver of bone from the fracture can enter and injure the spinal canal. Previous spinal surgery also places you at increased risk for spinal stenosis.
Treatment for spinal stenosis
Treatment varies with the severity of spinal stenosis and may include:
Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription pain medication can reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief. Stay away from long-term use; some can cause kidney damage and other deleterious side effects. Cortisone injections can provide interim relief for a few months.
Physical therapy and directed exercise
Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy. Strengthening the muscles and tendons surrounding your spinal cord helps to stabilize your spine and increase your range of motion and your flexibility. If you haven’t been able to go about your normal daily routine, physical therapy may improve your condition so that you’re able to continue your regular activities.
Your physical therapist also shows you specific exercises to do at home. It’s important to follow through on a daily basis so you gain the full benefit of the therapy.
Surgery
If other treatments don’t work and you’re still in considerable pain, surgery is a final option when the condition is severe and disabling. There are several types of surgery for spinal stenosis. All have the same goal: decompressing the spinal canal for the rest of your life.
At Dr. Louis Keppler & Associates, we evaluate your condition and make a recommendation for the type of surgery that we believe will be most effective for you.
Call to book an appointment with one of our doctors at Dr. Louis Keppler & Associates for comprehensive orthopedic care — from treatment of spinal stenosis to hip and knee replacements and regenerative medicine.
