Definition
Abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramen that results in pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It happens when the space inside the backbone is too small.
Causes
• Wear and tear changes in the spine related to arthritis (the most common) can cause extra bone program will on the spine, cold bone spurs. They can push into the spinal canal.
• Herniated discs, of the disks soft and or material leaks out, it can press on the spinal cord or nerves.
• Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy; the strong cords that help hold the bones of your spine to better can become stiff and sick over time. Thick ligaments can push into the spinal canal.
• Tumors: really, it can perform inside the spinal canal.
• Spinal injuries: trauma or motor vehicle accidents then closed spinal bones to break or move out of place. Swelling of issues after back surgery can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Symptoms
• Spinal stenosis often causes no symptoms. when symptoms do occur, they start slowly and the get worse over time.
• Symptoms may include pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
• Symptoms improve with leaning forward.
• Structural narrowing of the vertebral canal result in nerve root compression and symptomatic neurogenic claudication which do not follow dermatomal pattern.
• Neurogenic claudication is severe pain in the lower back, buttocks and lower legs that progressively worsened by standing or walking and alleviated with forward flexion and sitting.
• Severe symptoms may include loss of bladder control, loss of bowel control, or sexual dysfunction.
Diagnosis
• History and physical exam; patients typically present with symptoms of gait disturbance. They have trouble walking well after ambulating for more than a short time.
• The neurological examination may be entirely normal at the wrist, but both motor and sensory loss may appear after activity.
• The hallmark of the diagnosis sprain and weakness in both legs by walking. Typically, relieved by sitting or leaning forward.