Spinal Stenosis

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

Is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots. Most common in cervical or lumbar regions.

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

Back or neck pain
Radicular symptoms
Weakness
Sciatica (lumbar)
Claudication (lumbar)
In severe cases - bladder or bowel dysfunction

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Increases with age
Age related degeneration
More common in the lumbar region

Question 4

Age

Answer 4

50+
Younger individuals due to congenital abnormalities or trauma

Question 5

Risk

Answer 5

Age related degeneration - disc herniation, bone spurs & thickening of ligaments
Arthritis - OA, RA
Trauma
Congenital abnormalities
Previous spinal surgery
Obesity - excesses weight putting stress on the spine

Question 6

Presentation

Answer 6

Lumbar stenosis -
pain, numbness, or weakness in legs with standing or walking (neurogenic claudication)
Symptoms improve with sitting or bending forward

Cervical stenosis -
Pain, stiffness in the neck
Radicular symptoms
Difficulty with balance

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

Progressive condition - worsens over time
Can fond relief with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory meds or corticosteroids
Surgery