What is central spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of one or more bony openings (foramina) in the vertebrae of the spine. When spinal stenosis occurs in the spinal canal, it is called central canal stenosis and may cause compression of the spinal cord.
Is spinal stenosis a serious condition?
Spinal stenosis is a condition that results in the narrowing of the spinal column, often accompanied by painful, debilitating compression of the spinal cord as well as nerve roots.
What causes central stenosis?
Central canal stenosis typically occurs due to degenerative changes in the spine’s bones, joints, discs, and/or ligaments. Other potential causes of central canal stenosis include trauma, infections, and metabolic conditions that may affect the spine.
How do you fix central canal stenosis?
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)—a surgery that is commonly performed to treat stenosis and includes removing a damaged disc to relieve spinal cord or nerve root pressure. Corpectomy—a surgery to remove parts of the vertebral body to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
Is central canal stenosis a disability?
Fortunately, lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the few back conditions recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) with an official impairment listing, meaning that those with documented cases of severe lumbar spinal stenosis are automatically granted disability benefits—if you can meet the SSA’s tough …
Can central canal stenosis heal?
Can spinal stenosis heal on its own? Generally no because the most common causes of spinal stenosis is normal age-related “wear and tear” on the bones and structures of the spine.
Does severe central canal stenosis require surgery?
Spinal Decompression and Spinal Fusion: Will You Need Surgery for Spinal Stenosis? Most patients with cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis respond well to non-surgical treatments (such as medication), so you may not need spine surgery. However, there are situations when you may want to go ahead with spine surgery.
What is the best remedy for spinal stenosis?
Anti-inflammatory medication (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) may be helpful in alleviating spinal stenosis symptoms. With careful use, a short term course of narcotic medication use may be helpful for severe episodes of nerve related pain.
What are the early signs of spinal stenosis?
Lumbar Stenosis Symptoms. If a patient is experiencing difficulty walking,numbness and tingling in the legs,and low back pain,they may be suffering from a shrinkage in the area
What are the long – term effects of spinal stenosis?
Chronic Back Pain and Spinal Stenosis Symptoms. Unchecked,damage to the nerves can lead to numbness,paraesthesia (tingling sensations),and weakness in limbs.
How bad can spinal stenosis get?
Rarely, untreated severe spinal stenosis may progress and cause permanent: Numbness. Weakness. Balance problems. Incontinence. Paralysis.
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