Nerve compression transcends physical strength to immobilize the most powerful patients. How can you differentiate stenosis and resume normal activities?
Publish 11 November 2021
Spinal Stenosis Popularity
Your research of possible back pain causes may lead you to the condition “spinal stenosis.” Yes, it is a well-known condition that affects 47% of individuals above the age of 60 years. But it can also put the squeeze on younger people.
Spinal stenosis affects up to 14% of individuals between the ages of 40–60 years. If related to deformities of the spine at birth, an individual could suffer from this condition even in childhood.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the bony spinal openings, causing the spine or its nerves to compress. The compression (stenosis) can occur in the spinal canal where the spinal cord runs. Or it could occur in intervertebral foramina, through which spinal innervation leads to muscles and organs of the body.
Symptoms vary according to the degree and the level of compression. Most commonly, stenosis occurs in the cervical or lumbar spine. These are the neck and the lower back regions. But as the nerves that come out of these regions travel throughout the body, the symptoms may appear at distant sites.
Variable signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis may include:
Pain – Characteristics of pain differ among individuals. Some may find a dull or an electric-like pain while others may feel more like a pins-and-needles sensation. The pain is mostly radiating to distant sites depending on the level of the spine affected. If the cervical spine is affected the pain may start at the neck and radiate to the hands. When the lumbar spine is affected the pain may arise in the lower back and extend to the legs.
Numbness – While pain is common, some individuals may also feel numbness in the affected area and distant sites.
Weakness – Due to the effect on the spinal cord and nerves the muscles may weaken in the long term. Therefore, reduced strength and coordination can also be symptoms of this condition. If the lowest part of the spinal cord is affected, it may even lead to incontinence.
Most commonly, the symptoms are present on both sides but often weakness affects each side differently.
One important sign is that many individuals with spinal stenosis find it easier to walk upstairs than to walk downstairs. This is because the back is forward flexed when climbing up relieving the spinal compression.
