Spinal stenosis is a common orthopaedic injury that usually occurs in the neck and the lower back. It is better to understand what spinal stenosis is and what are the treatments that you may require by spine specialists so that you can enjoy your favourite activities pain-free. If you are diagnosed with spine stenosis, you should visit the best spine surgery hospital in Indore for treatment.

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spine, which results in increased pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. This pressure leads to pain and other issues in the lower back and neck. Spinal stenosis occurs in most people due to the wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to arthritis. Your spinal injuries may also cause herniated disks, thickened ligaments, and overgrowth of bone.

Our spine is made up of a series of connected bones/ vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs. These bones help us in protecting the spinal cord, which rests in the canal made by the vertebrae. The spinal cord connects the brain to the entire body and is thus, an essential part of the central nervous system.

Over time, the spinal cord becomes narrow, and the spaces between the vertebrae start to get smaller. The reduction in the spaces causes tightness, and this will may poke the spinal cord or the nerves around it, causing numbness, pain, and tingling in your leg or torso.

What are the Types of Spinal Stenosis?

The Types of spinal stenosis are classified according to the location of your pain in the spine. It is also possible to have more than one type of spinal stenosis.

• Cervical stenosis. In this condition, your part of the spine in the neck experiences a narrowing.
• Lumbar stenosis. In this condition, the spine in your lower back experiences narrowing.

Symptoms

Many people have exhibited the presence of spinal stenosis on an MRI or CT scan but have not experienced any symptoms. But when the symptom starts to show, they usually worsen over time. Symptoms vary depending on the site of the stenosis and which nerves are impacted.

• In the neck (cervical spine)
• Numbness in foot, leg, hand, or arm.
• Weakness or pain in arm, hand, foot, or leg
• Problems during walking and balance
• Neck pain
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction
• Weakness in a foot
• Pain or cramping in legs if you are standing for a long period of time.
• Back pain

Usually, not everyone experiences the same symptoms by for some; they have stiffness, back pain, and numbness. After a gradual time, the pain worsens. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms or signs, then you should visit Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement hospital in Indore for treatment.

What Is the Treatment Plan for Spinal Stenosis?

Depending on the severity of the spinal stenosis, your spine specialist may recommend the following non-surgical options like:

• Medication: Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and pain remedies that can offer short-term relief. To treat some aspects of spinal stenosis involving muscle spasms and damaged nerves, muscle relaxants are also used.
• Corticosteroid injections: The best doctor in Indore will inject a steroid such as prednisone into your back or neck, which will reduce inflammation and pain. However, such medications will be used sparingly because of various side-effects.
• Anesthetics: An injection of medicine will be injected, which can block specific nerves from causing pain.
• Exercise: Your spine specialist will ask you to have physical therapy that will help you improve strength, balance, and flexibility.
• Assistive devices: If you are experiencing pain in your neck or back, it is better to use a brace, or corset, or a walker.

With all the above methods, if your pain doesn’t subside, then the doctor may suggest you go for minimally invasive spine surgery. Generally, a laminectomy procedure is used, which is a technique where bone spurs, ligaments, and vertebrae are removed, which is pressing on the nerves.

When Should You Visit a Spine Specialist for Spinal Stenosis?

You should contact the Best hospital in Indore if you’re frequently experiencing numbness, pain, or tingling in your arms, hand, or legs. Spinal stenosis can cause significant nerve damage and also prevent you from carrying normal activities if not treated. Make an appointment with your doctor if you believe you have symptoms of spinal stenosis.