What You Need To Know About Spinal Stenosis

The backbone is designed to prevent the spinal cord from some injuries. But due to an injury or aging, the space between the bones can become narrow, leading to a condition called spinal stenosis. This condition can exert pressure on the nerves that distribute it to the spine, causing some symptoms that become severe over time. Specialists at William L Yancey MD, approach controlling spinal stenosis focused on administering treatments that suppress the symptoms.

Causes

The spine runs from the neck to the lower back. The spine bones form a canal that protects the spinal nerves. Many people have a little spinal canal. Many spinal stenoses appear when something narrows the space in the spine. Spinal stenosis causes includes:

Overgrowth of bone. Wear and tear from osteoarthritis on the spinal bones may quicken bone branches’ formation, which develops into a spinal canal. A boned disease affecting adults, called Paget’s disease, can cause bone overgrowth in the spine.

Herniated disks. Soft cushions acting as shock absorbers between your spine seem to dry out as you age.

Thickened ligaments. Tough chords holding the bones of the vertebrae become thick and stiff over time. The thickened ligaments bulge into the spinal cord.

Spinal injuries. Trauma and car accidents may cause fractures and dislocations of single or multiple vertebrae. A bone that has been displaced from a spinal fracture can destroy the contents of the spinal canal.

Diagnosis

For spinal stenosis diagnosis, the doctor can ask about any signs and symptoms, discuss your medical journey, and perform a physical examination. The doctor orders an imaging test to help identify the main causes of your symptoms. Imaging tests include:

X-rays. Performing x-rays on the back can show bone changes, such as bones narrowing the space found within the spinal canal. Every X-ray includes a little radiation exposure.

Magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves to generate cross-sectional photos of your spine. The test detects damage to the ligaments and disks, as well as tumor presence. The best thing is that it can reveal where the nerves in the spinal have more pressure.

CT or CT myelogram. If you are not comfortable with an MRI, the doctor can advise computerized tomography, which combines X-ray images from different parts to produce a cross-sectional body. The CT scan is often conducted after a dye is injected.

Medication

The doctor may prescribe:

Pain relievers. Pain medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can be used to ease the pain of spinal stenosis. They are used for a short time because there is little evidence that one can benefit from long term use.

Antidepressants. A dose is taken at night, such as amitriptyline, and can help relieve chronic pain.

Opioids. Drugs that have codeine drugs such as hydrocodone, and oxycodone, may be essential for short term pain relief.

Physical therapy

It is common for people with spinal stenosis to become less active while trying to reduce pain. A physical therapist can help you learn exercises that can help build up your strength, improve your balance, and preserve your spine’s stability and flexibility.

Most people with spinal stenosis live their lives to the fullest and stay active. However, they may require some changes to their physical activities. If you’re struggling with this condition, worry no more because you can book an appointment online with Yancey Pain & Spine medical center.