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  • Writer's pictureThe Physio Studio Sg

Spinal Stenosis Causes & Symtoms

Updated: Feb 28, 2023


Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck.

It is most commonly caused by wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to osteoarthritis. In severe cases of spinal stenosis, doctors may recommend surgery to create additional space for the spinal cord or nerves.


There are two main types of spinal stenosis are:

  • Cervical stenosis: The narrowing occurs in the part of the spine in your neck.

  • Lumbar stenosis (The most common form of spinal stenosis) : The narrowing occurs in the part of the spine in your lower back.


Symptoms:

(Cervical)

  • Numbness or tingling in a hand, arm, foot or leg

  • Weakness in a hand, arm, foot or leg

  • Problems with walking and balance

  • Neck pain


(Lumbar)

  • Numbness or tingling in a foot or leg

  • Weakness in a foot or leg

  • Pain or cramping in one or both legs when you stand for longer period of time or when walking, which usually eases when you bend forward or sit

  • Back pain


Causes:

  • Overgrowth of bone: Wear and tear damage from osteoarthritis on your spinal bones can prompt the formation of bone spurs, which can grow into the spinal canal.

  • Herniated disks. The soft cushions that act as shock absorbers between your spine column tend to dry out with age. Cracks in a disk's exterior may allow some of the soft inner material to escape and press on the spinal cord or nerves.

  • Thickened ligaments. The tough cords that help hold the bones of your spine column together can become stiff and thickened over time. These thickened ligaments can bulge into the spinal canal.

  • Tumors. Abnormal growths can form inside the spinal cord, within the layer that cover the spinal cord or in the space between the spinal cord and spine.

  • Spinal injuries. Car accidents and other trauma can cause dislocations or fractures of one or more spine column.



Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352961

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