Doctor's Notes on Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal. This limits the amount of space available for the spinal cord and nerves, which compresses the nerves in the spine. Spinal stenosis is most common in the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine). The most common cause of spinal stenosis is degenerative arthritis that results from aging.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis depend on where in the spine it occurs and the severity of the narrowing. Symptoms of spinal stenosis caused by compression of the spinal cord are called myelopathy and may include worsening balance, falling, dropping objects, difficulty buttoning buttons or picking up small coins, or loss of control of the bowel and/or bladder. Symptoms of spinal stenosis caused by compression of the nerves include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the path of the nerve being compressed. Symptoms of spinal stenosis that develops in the neck include myelopathy, numbness, tingling, weakness, or cramping in the arms and hands. Symptoms of spinal stenosis that develops in the lower back include pain, numbness, tingling, weakness or cramping in the legs and feet, particularly progressively with walking and being relieved with resting.
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Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a condition that involves severe compression and inflammation of the nerves in the lower spine. Cauda equina syndrome requires emergency surgery because it may result in permanent loss of bladder control, and disabled lower limbs. -
CT Scan (CAT Scan, Computerized Axial Tomography)
What is a CT scan? Computerized tomography scans (CT scans) are important diagnostic tools for a variety of medical conditions. Some areas of the body frequently evaluated by CT scans include the brain, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and sinuses. The CT scan process uses X-rays and a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the body. -
Lumbar Laminectomy
A lumbar laminectomy is a surgery that removes most of the bony arch of a vertebra after other medical treatments have failed to relieve lower back pain. Lumbar laminectomy is often performed in combination with other types of back surgery, such as lumbar laminotomy and discectomy. Complications and risks of lumbar laminectomy include nerve damage, bleeding, infection, and blood clots. -
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scanner that takes cross-sectional images of the body. It is used to evaluate tissues of the head, neck, chest, limbs, abdomen, and pelvis. MRI is a very safe procedure; sedation may be used for infants, small children, or adults who are claustrophobic. -
Neck Strain (Sprain)
The portion of the spine contained within the neck is referred to as the cervical spine. That's the site for injuries known as neck strain. Symptoms include pain and possible numbness, dizziness, stiffness, and tingling. Treatment may involve taking NSAIDs, getting bed rest, and applying heat to the area. -
Sciatica
Sciatica is lower back pain with pain that radiates through the buttocks and down one leg. Common causes include herniated disc, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, pregnancy and a pinched nerve. Treatment involves applying a cold pack and taking pain medications.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.