For most people, back pain could be effectively managed with medicine, adequate exercise, and, in some situations, physiotherapy. Unfortunately, if your symptoms persist and it so happens you are above 60 years, your discomfort could be caused by a degenerative condition known as spinal stenosis. About 10% of persons in the United States suffer from spinal stenosis, which is a disorder that occurs once your spinal canal narrows and pinches your spinal cord, primarily because of degenerative wear and tear. Narrowing of the spinal cord could result in numbness or discomfort in numerous body parts. The moment you begin experiencing numbness or discomfort, you should talk to a professional for expert care as these symptoms may exacerbate if the condition remains unaddressed. Pain management specialist Dr. Ioannis Skaribas discusses some of the most common symptoms of spinal stenosis in Memorial Area to promote early detection and better chances of successful therapy. Continue reading to learn what you should watch out for and how you can find relief.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Cervical Spinal Stenosis?
The symptoms of spinal stenosis vary based on what region of the spinal cord is afflicted. Cervical stenosis occurs whenever the spinal canal in and around your neck constricts.
If you notice tingling, weakness, or numbness in your upper extremities, including your arm and hand, you may have cervical spinal stenosis. Sometimes, weakness or tingling is observed in the leg or foot.
Other indications of cervical stenosis encompass:
· Neck ache
· Trouble maintaining balance or walking
· In extreme situations, bowel or bladder problems
If you observe any of these symptoms, Dr. Skaribas and his expert staff can provide complete exams to determine the core issue. If necessary, he may request medical imaging to help figure out what is causing your symptoms and assess your spine’s overall health.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
The most prevalent form of spinal stenosis is lumbar stenosis. Continuous wear and tear shrink the spinal canal in your lower back, causing lumbar stenosis. Some of the warning signs to be on the lookout for include:
· Numbness, weakness, or tingling in your leg or foot
· Backache
Another indication of lumbar stenosis is cramping or discomfort in your legs following walking or standing for lengthy periods. This discomfort is frequently momentarily by sitting or bending your legs.
What Are the Risk Factors for Spinal Stenosis?
Some people are unaware that they have spinal stenosis as it is only discovered by medical testing such as a CT scan or MRI. Besides osteoarthritis, other disorders could increase your vulnerability to acquiring spinal stenosis. One of the significant risk factors is aging. Additional risk factors include having a record of:
· Bone spurs
· Herniated discs
· Spinal trauma
When designing your care plan for you, Dr. Skaribas and his team analyze your health history as well as your symptoms. Fortunately, most persons find relief in anti-swelling medicine, therapeutic massage, and physical therapy. Other options available include epidural steroid injections and the Vertiflex procedures.
Do you experience chronic back pain? If so, you should see Dr. Skaribas at Expert Pain to determine if you have spinal stenosis, which is a more severe but usually treatable problem. However, if you hesitate to seek therapy, you risk losing your capacity to regain full function. Therefore, do not ignore it! Call the Houston, TX office or request an appointment online today to explore your care options.