What is cervical and lumbar stenosis?
Also referred to as cervical spinal stenosis, the condition results from narrowing of spinal canal in the neck.
The Symptoms
People over the age of 50 may have some narrowing of the spinal canal. However, they may not show or experience any symptoms. In fact, cervical and lumbar stenosis does not cause any symptoms unless the nerves of the spine or spinal cord becomes squeezed.
Most symptoms usually develop gradually. These may include:
Who is affected?
Stenosis is known to affect both men and women. The condition is most common between the ages of 50 and 70. Cervical and lumbar stenosis may also occur in younger people suffering from the congenital narrow spinal canal (by birth) or those who had experienced an injury to the spine.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cervical and lumbar stenosis is based on the history of patient's symptoms combined with a detailed physical exam. The doctor may also you if the neck movements lead to weakness, pain, or numbness. Once cervical spinal stenosis is suspected, the medical practitioner will recommend imaging tests of neck and back. The tests will confirm the diagnosis and also illustrate the actual cause of narrowing of the spinal canal.
Imaging tests are conducted by using the following:
- X-rays
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
The doctor will also recommend the following tests to negate the possibility of any other disease (multiple sclerosis and deficiency of vitamin B12 as the cause of symptoms):
- Imaging
- Blood tests
Treatment Options
Mild Cases – Mild symptoms can be controlled with medicines. Doctors prescribe medicines for pain relief. Patients are also advised to exercise and maintain strength and flexibility of the body. Physical therapy also helps patients lead a normal, active life.
Severe Cases – Severe symptoms such as progressive weakness in muscles or excess squeezing of the spinal cord or nerves are treated with decompressive surgery. The aim of this surgery is to relieve the pressure. This surgery involves removal of a part of bone, disc, and/or tissue that may be putting pressure on the nerve roots. Thereafter, vertebrae are fused together to promote spinal stability.
Cervical spinal stenosis may be harmful for the nervous system. It may even lead to bowel or bladder control (incontinence) issues and permanent loss of strength and sensation in the hands, arms, and legs. The doctor will not wait for their patients to experience severe symptoms to relieve pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. The immediate treatment plan is made to be able to help the patient recover and return back to normal life.
If you are looking for Cervical and Lumbar Stenosis treatment so visit the following link : www.spinecentermiami.com
Also referred to as cervical spinal stenosis, the condition results from narrowing of spinal canal in the neck.
The Symptoms
People over the age of 50 may have some narrowing of the spinal canal. However, they may not show or experience any symptoms. In fact, cervical and lumbar stenosis does not cause any symptoms unless the nerves of the spine or spinal cord becomes squeezed.
Most symptoms usually develop gradually. These may include:
- Stiffness, pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, arms, shoulders, hands, or legs.
- Issues with balance and coordination such as tripping or shuffling while walking.
- The cervical spinal stenosis may be crippling in cases where the spinal cord is damaged.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (incontinence).
Who is affected?
Stenosis is known to affect both men and women. The condition is most common between the ages of 50 and 70. Cervical and lumbar stenosis may also occur in younger people suffering from the congenital narrow spinal canal (by birth) or those who had experienced an injury to the spine.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cervical and lumbar stenosis is based on the history of patient's symptoms combined with a detailed physical exam. The doctor may also you if the neck movements lead to weakness, pain, or numbness. Once cervical spinal stenosis is suspected, the medical practitioner will recommend imaging tests of neck and back. The tests will confirm the diagnosis and also illustrate the actual cause of narrowing of the spinal canal.
Imaging tests are conducted by using the following:
- X-rays
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
The doctor will also recommend the following tests to negate the possibility of any other disease (multiple sclerosis and deficiency of vitamin B12 as the cause of symptoms):
- Imaging
- Blood tests
Treatment Options
Mild Cases – Mild symptoms can be controlled with medicines. Doctors prescribe medicines for pain relief. Patients are also advised to exercise and maintain strength and flexibility of the body. Physical therapy also helps patients lead a normal, active life.
Severe Cases – Severe symptoms such as progressive weakness in muscles or excess squeezing of the spinal cord or nerves are treated with decompressive surgery. The aim of this surgery is to relieve the pressure. This surgery involves removal of a part of bone, disc, and/or tissue that may be putting pressure on the nerve roots. Thereafter, vertebrae are fused together to promote spinal stability.
Cervical spinal stenosis may be harmful for the nervous system. It may even lead to bowel or bladder control (incontinence) issues and permanent loss of strength and sensation in the hands, arms, and legs. The doctor will not wait for their patients to experience severe symptoms to relieve pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. The immediate treatment plan is made to be able to help the patient recover and return back to normal life.
If you are looking for Cervical and Lumbar Stenosis treatment so visit the following link : www.spinecentermiami.com