What You Need To Know About Spinal Stenosis Pain

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck.

Some people with spinal stenosis may not have symptoms. Others may experience pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness; Symptoms can worsen over time.

Spinal stenosis 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.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the stenosis and which nerves are affected.

In the neck (cervical spine)

• 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

In the lower back (lumbar spine)

• 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 long periods of time or when you walk, which usually eases when you bend forward or sit
• Back pain

Management

Treatment for spinal stenosis depends on the location of the stenosis and the severity of your signs and symptoms and through a disciplinary approach

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Pain relievers to help manage the pain as well as steroid injections to manage the symptoms

 Physical Therapy

It’s common for people who have spinal stenosis to become less active, in an effort to reduce pain. But that can lead to muscle weakness, which can result in more pain. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that may help:

• Build up your strength and endurance
• Maintain the flexibility and stability of your spine
• Improve your balance

All this and more can be accessed at our Great Neck and Farmingdale offices, and with Reddy Care’s In-Home therapy sessions.