Spinal Stenosis

Causes of Spinal Stenosis

One of the primary responsibilities of the spine is to protect the spinal cord, a series of nerves that allows the brain to communicate with the different bodily systems we use every day. Spinal health is extremely important to your overall health since it houses the central nervous system that keeps your body functioning properly. Anyone can get spinal stenosis and it can come from a variety of different causes:

• Injuries to the Spine –Particularly from high impact accidents like an automobile accident or similar trauma; high impact injuries can cause fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae, which increases the risk of damage of the contents within the spine and spinal canal
• Abnormal Growths – Such as a tumor, usually located on or within the spine
• Ligaments Around the Spine That Have Thickened –These ligaments can invade the spinal canal where they can cause problems to components within the spine
• Disc Herniation –These discs are small, soft cushions that help to protect the vertebrae by acting as shock absorbers; these become less effective as you get older and can crack, causing the interior to spill out and create pressure against the spinal cord and/or nerves
• Overgrowth of Bone – Wear and tear in life and other medical conditions (such as Paget’s disease, osteoarthritis, and more) can cause the formation of bone spurs and general bone overgrowth, which can grow into and press against the spinal canal, creating complications within the spine

Other risk factors can increase the likelihood of getting spinal stenosis, including being 50 years of age or older, trauma, genetic diseases affecting bone and/or muscle development, congenital spinal deformities (such as scoliosis), and more.

Getting Diagnosed for Spinal Stenosis

When you’re uncertain of what is causing the symptoms you’re experiencing, that’s when it’s time to visit a doctor to diagnose the cause. At AICA Orthopedics, our team of specialists will help in identifying the cause of your symptoms. When a doctor suspects spinal stenosis, a number of tests and diagnostic processes will be employed to get to the root of the issue.

• X-rays – helps the doctor observe the shape of your vertebrae and how it may have moved or changed.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – creates a 3D image of the spine, which is more accurate and detailed than an x-ray; MRIs are capable of showing growths, tumors, and is detailed enough to show ligament and disc damage.
• CT Scan (Computerized Tomography) -after being injected with a specialized dye, an x-ray is done to create a 3D image of the spine and body to identify other damage to the softer tissues within the spine.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms will vary from individual to individual based on a number of factors, such as the type of spinal stenosis or location of spinal stenosis. Not everyone will experience symptoms directly while others will feel more severe intensities of the condition. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and/or general weakness in the hand, arm, foot, or leg. Individuals may also experience neck pain, back pain, muscle cramping, and bladder and bowel dysfunction. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule a consultation at AICA Orthopedics right away. Letting any of these symptoms linger or worsen can have a detrimental impact on your body and overall health.