Spinal stenosis

Causes:

• Degenerative Changes: The natural aging process, leading to wear and tear on the spine, is a primary cause. This degeneration can include the breakdown of discs, thickening of ligaments, and the formation of bone spurs.
• Herniated Discs: Disc herniation, where the soft inner material of a disc protrudes outward, can contribute to the narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina.
• Congenital Factors: Some individuals may be born with a narrower spinal canal, increasing their susceptibility to spinal stenosis.
• Tumors: Abnormal growths or tumors within the spinal canal can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to stenosis.
• Trauma or Injuries: Previous spinal injuries or trauma may result in the development of spinal stenosis.
• Thickened Ligaments: Over time, ligaments in the spine may thicken and contribute to the narrowing of the spinal canal.

Symptoms:

• Pain: Chronic pain in the affected region, often exacerbated by standing or walking.
• Numbness and Tingling: Sensations of numbness and tingling, typically radiating into the legs or arms.
• Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the muscles of the affected area, leading to difficulties in walking or performing certain activities.
• Balance Issues: Spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine can affect the nerves controlling leg muscles, potentially causing balance problems.
• Sciatica: Pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates along the sciatic nerve, often extending from the lower back down the back of the thigh.
• Foot Drop: Severe cases may result in the weakening of the muscles that lift the front part of the foot, leading to a dragging or slapping gait.
• Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction: Rarely, advanced cases of spinal stenosis may cause problems with bowel or bladder function due to nerve compression.

• Numbness: Spondylosis can cause compression on spinal nerves, leading to numbness in the affected areas. This sensory impairment is often associated with tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation.
• Weakness: Muscular weakness may result from spondylosis, especially when the degeneration affects nerve function. Weakness can impact various muscle groups, affecting overall mobility.
• Problems with Balance: Spondylosis-induced changes in spinal alignment and nerve function can contribute to difficulties in maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
• Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control: In severe cases of spondylosis where the spinal cord is significantly compromised, there may be a loss of control over bladder and bowel functions due to impaired nerve signals.
• Paralysis: Advanced spondylosis, particularly when it leads to spinal cord compression, may result in paralysis. This involves the loss of motor function and sensation in the affected areas, necessitating prompt medical attention for intervention and management.

Medication Management:

• Anti-inflammatory medications play a crucial role in reducing swelling and providing pain relief, while analgesics are effective in alleviating pain. Non-prescription options are often adequate for managing mild pain, but in cases of more severe or persistent pain, prescription medications may be recommended by healthcare professionals.

Epidural Injections:

• Epidural injections are a medical intervention involving the administration of medications directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. This targeted approach helps to reduce inflammation and manage pain, offering relief to individuals experiencing discomfort due to spinal conditions.

Therapeutic Approaches:

• Physical therapy is a key component of managing spinal issues. Through a combination of exercises and therapeutic interventions, physical therapy aims to stabilize the spine, enhance endurance, and improve flexibility. Prescribed exercises, tailored to individual needs, contribute to the overall rehabilitation process, enabling patients to regain functionality and resume daily activities.

• Laminectomy
• Discectomy
• Spinal Fusion
• Foraminotomy
• Artificial Disc Replacement
• Decompression Surgery
• Dynamic Stabilization

Synapse Spine in Mumbai specializes in treating Spinal Stenosis, providing advanced diagnostic assessments and customized treatment approaches. Utilizing minimally invasive methods, our dedicated team strives to relieve pain and enhance mobility. Rely on Synapse Spine for professional care and a route to a stronger spine. Book your consultation now.