Facts About Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis

The term ‘stenosis’ means narrowing of a tubular structure in the body. Spinal stenosis, then, means narrowing of the spaces( back bone) of the spinal column. Spinal stenosis can occur as a result of trauma, inflammation, tissue degeneration, tumors, and for other reasons, and at a certain point the narrowing can cause pinched nerves, spinal cord compression and other adverse effects.

Spinal Stenosis Effects

Not all spinal stenosis is symptomatic. In fact, many people have some degree of stenosis but remain unaware of this unless they have an X-ray or other imaging taken of the spine which reveals asymptomatic narrowing.

When symptoms of spinal stenosis do occur they can be acute, chronic, transient, and variable in nature. Such symptoms may include persistent back pain, neck pain, pain in the buttocks and pain down the backs of the legs into the feet. People with spinal stenosis may develop a limp, may trip over their own feet due to a loss of sensation and motor control in the legs, and may begin to engage in less and less physical activity. Spinal stenosis symptoms can also include paresthesia, or pins and needles, as well as sensations of heat and cold, due to abnormal nerve conductivity.

Over time, nerve compression can lead to muscle atrophy due to reduced movement of the limbs. Stenosis in the spine may even cause breathing difficulties, changes in posture, bowel and bladder incontinence, erectile dysfunction and a range of other issues.

Living with Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a serious health issue that affects many millions of people in a variety of ways. Without appropriate treatment, spinal stenosis can lead to permanent nerve damage, paralysis and even death. When spinal canal narrowing is causing spinal cord compression this needs treating right away to decompress the spine and reduce the likelihood of significant and intractable damage.

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Stenosis can occur in any of the regions of the spine, although lumbar spinal stenosis is most common due to the mobility of this region of the back. Cervical spinal stenosis is also common, but thoracic stenosis is relatively rare as the middle segments of the spine are less mobile and, therefore, less subject to wear and tear.

Disease such as arthritis, osteoporosis, osteopenia, ankylosing spondylitis, and degenerative disc disease can all be contributing factors to spinal stenosis, requiring appropriate treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent further degeneration of the spine.

Spinal Stenosis – An Ever Increasing Problem

Spinal stenosis has been described as a silent epidemic and, as the population ages, the spread of this condition is increasing. Lumbar spinal stenosis is actually the most common reason for surgery in people over the age of 60 in the United States, with almost half a million people in the US suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis and many more experiencing cervical spinal stenosis.

By 2050, it is estimated that there will be nearly 2 billion people aged 60 and over (United Nations Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs), meaning that it is crucial to find new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat spinal stenosis and other musculoskeletal conditions that disproportionately affect older adults.

Spinal stenosis can significantly affect quality of life, making it difficult to work, exercise, socialize and even to care for family, friends or one’s own needs. The critical need to decompress the spine cannot be overstated. As with this condition and the need for finding solution one of alternatives is a new device that recently entered the market. Among other back ailments our device has proven surprisingly effective in alleviating back pain due to spinal stenosis. Due to its unique patent pending design it provides level of stability and varying degree of pain relief even for people with serious back condition.