Feeling pain in the spine can have various reasons... Spinal stenosis is one of the common cases that leads to pain in different parts of the neck, back and even the chest. But the incidence of this disease is more in the lower back than in other parts.... Sometimes people who suffer from such a problem may not have any symptoms.... Also, others experience the following symptoms that even get worse over time: - pain - nettle - Anesthesia - Muscle weakness If you also experience these mentioned symptoms, stay with us to provide you with information about this disease. Spinal Stenosis What is it?..Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing or narrowing of the space inside the spine that can put pressure on the spinal nerves.. This condition usually occurs in the neck and back.. but the most reported cases of patients were related to the lower back... Spinal canal stenosis can put pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots coming out of it and finally cause severe pain in the patient. Spinal canal stenosis occurs in what parts This complication may occur in any part of the spine, but it is usually seen in two parts of the spine as follows: ### waist This complication occurs in the waist area, which is the most common type of this disease. ### Neck In this condition, a part of the spinal canal in the neck becomes narrow and limited. Symptoms of spinal canal stenosis As we told you, some people with this disease do not have any symptoms....in fact, the existence of this disease can only be detected in a CT scan or MRI. Spinal canal stenosis starts gradually and slowly at first, then it gets worse with time.. Depending on which part of the spinal canal is narrowed, the symptoms can be different, we refer to any of the following: ### in the neck Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, and legs - hand, arm or leg weakness - Difficulty walking and imbalance - neck pain - In more severe cases, bowel and bladder dysfunction (urgent need to urinate or urinary incontinence) ### in the lower back - numbness and tingling in the leg - Feeling of weakness in the legs - Aching or cramping sensation in one or both legs when standing for a long time or when walking (usually relieved by bending forward or sitting down) - back pain Also, when the pain and burning starts from the buttocks and reaches the back of the leg, it can indicate this disease. If you have any of the mentioned symptoms, be sure to visit the pain specialist Dr. Mohammad Hossein Delshad for examination and treatment. One of the best treatment methods he considers for his patients is epidural injection, which relieves the pain to a large extent after the injection. Is spinal canal stenosis related to pain?.. As we said, this condition sometimes does not cause any symptoms in patients... but others experience pain with other symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. Symptoms sometimes worsen in patients over time.... Such pain usually worsens when standing or walking and improves when bending forward. What factors lead to spinal canal stenosis The spine starts from the neck and goes down to the lower back.... The bones of the spine form a spinal canal that protects the spinal cord (nerve)... Sometimes spinal canal stenosis can occur congenitally or due to changes or events...for example, a bulging disc puts pressure on the canal and causes it to narrow.. In general, the factors that can lead to spinal canal stenosis are as follows: ### Bone overgrowth Injuries and abrasions caused by arthritis in the spine can lead to bone spurs... "Paget's disease" is a bone disease that usually occurs in adults, this disease can lead to excessive bone growth in the spine. ### herniated disc The soft discs between the vertebrae of the spine act as shock absorbers.... As the intervertebral discs age, they dry out over time.... A ruptured disc can release a small amount of its contents and eventually cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. ### thick ligaments Ligaments are like strong ropes that hold the bones of the spine in place, and with strength, the ligaments become stiff and thick over time....These thick ligaments bulge and affect spinal canal stenosis.. ### tumor When a spinal tumor develops with abnormal growth inside the spinal cord, interspinal space, or vertebrae, it can be effective in causing spinal canal stenosis.... These cases can only be diagnosed by imaging the spine with MRI or CT. ### injury to the spine Sometimes, due to accidents such as car accidents and other accidents, lumbar vertebrae may be dislocated or fractured.... When these things happen, it can damage the spinal canal.... Also, the swelling caused by back surgery can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in this area and cause severe pain. Risk factors in the development of spinal canal stenosis Most people with this disease are over 50 years old.. This disease is also observed in young people, which is more hereditary... Other factors such as spinal cord injury, congenital problems such as scoliosis (a genetic disease that affects the growth of bones in the body) and rheumatic diseases can play a role in causing this disease. By imaging the spine, any factors that lead to spinal canal stenosis can be distinguished from each other. Read more: Exercise for scoliosis What are the consequences of spinal canal stenosis?.. Rarely, **spinal canal stenosis** may occur, but the complications caused by this disease in people are as follows: - numbness - Weakness - creating problems in balance - Incontinence - Paralysis How to diagnose spinal canal stenosis To diagnose spinal stenosis, the doctor may ask you about your symptoms and medical history and finally perform a physical examination... He may also recommend several imaging tests to help determine the cause of your symptoms, including the following: ### X-rays X-ray from the back can show bony changes such as bone spurs that may narrow the space inside the spinal canal. ### MRI This imaging uses a strong magnet and radio waves to produce images of the spine. By doing this test, it is possible to detect the damage of discs, ligaments, and also tumors....most importantly, the nerves that are under pressure are identified. ### CT myelogram If you cannot do an MRI, your doctor may suggest a computed tomography (CT) scan. This method can identify the spinal cord and nerves, and identify herniated discs, bone spurs, and tumors. Spinal stenosis treatment What is it?.. The treatment considered for this disease depends on the location of the spinal canal stenosis and the severity of the symptoms... If your symptoms are mild or you don't have any symptoms, the only doctor's advice is to have regular checkups to keep your condition under control. Tips that you can do at home may be mentioned, and medications or physical therapy may also be recommended to the patient. ### Drug treatment The doctor may prescribe these items for the patient: #### Housing Analgesics such as ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen are temporarily effective in reducing pain caused by spinal stenosis. Antidepressants in night doses such as amitriptyline help reduce chronic pain. #### Anticonvulsant drugs Some anticonvulsants such as gabapentin are prescribed to reduce pain caused by damaged nerves. #### Medicines containing codeine These drugs, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, are effective for short-term pain relief. These drugs should only be used with a doctor's prescription and for a limited time. ### Physiotherapy For people with **spinal stenosis**, they are less active because they experience less pain.... Such a condition can lead to muscle weakness, which ultimately causes more pain.... Physical therapy can teach exercises that help with these reasons: - Increase your strength and endurance. - Flexibility and stability of the spine should be maintained. - Lead to improve your balance. ### injection of steroid drugs Nerve roots that are under pressure are irritated and swollen....Injecting steroid medicine into the space around the entrapment of the spinal canal will not fix the stenosis, it can only help to reduce the inflammation and relieve the pain. Steroid injection may not work for everyone.. Repeated steroid injections can weaken the surrounding bones and connective tissue... but with the doctor's opinion, you can do the injection several times a year. In this method, needle-like tools are used to remove the thick ligament behind the spine in order to increase the space of the spinal canal and remove nerve root congestion.. This method is a non-surgical solution for people who are not candidates for open surgery. ### Surgery Surgery may be performed for patients only if no non-surgical solution is effective for them... The purpose of surgery is to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots to create more space in the spinal canal.... Surgery to reduce the pressure is the surest way to relieve the symptoms of spinal stenosis. Examples of surgical methods to treat spinal canal stenosis are as follows: - laminectomy - laminotomy - Laminoplasty - Minimally invasive surgery Foods useful for spinal canal stenosis Be sure to include magnesium-rich foods in your diet, including bananas, almonds, avocados, spinach, broccoli, and brown rice. Vitamin D3 is great for bone health because it helps absorb calcium. Treatment of spinal canal stenosis with laser in Karaj Laser therapy is an advanced technique that uses low radiation to stimulate, increase blood flow to the spine and nerves to control this disease. The beam penetrates the tissues to reduce inflammation and pain. Water therapy for patients with spinal canal stenosis Hot water helps dilate the blood vessels in the back and leads to increased blood flow in the spinal structures. Furthermore, warm water helps to relax tight muscles and increase flexibility and stimulate joints....all these things ultimately lead to relief of spinal pain..Is spinal stenosis surgery dangerous?..all surgeries have risks such as infection, bleeding, blood clots and reactions to anesthesia....Other risks of surgery for spinal stenosis are as follows: - nerve damage - lack of bone repair after surgery - tear of the membrane that covers the nerve or spinal cord. - Damage to metal plates, screws, etc. - requires surgery - No relief of symptoms or return of symptoms For this reason, it is recommended that patients use closed treatment solutions as much as possible to avoid such side effects. The best doctor for spinal stenosis If you have the symptoms of this disease, see a pain specialist for a detailed diagnosis and examination.... If this disease is confirmed, the doctor will consider a non-surgical yet effective treatment for you. Can spinal canal stenosis be prevented?. Because most of the time such problems occur due to aging, such as arthritis and loss of muscle mass, you cannot definitively prevent **Spinal Stenosis**... - Have a healthy diet and reach your ideal weight. - Avoid smoking. - Avoid sports activities that lead to more pain in you.. but know that you should be active and do your exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist. home remedies to treat spinal stenosis There are various options for home treatment of spinal canal as follows: consumption of over-the-counter pain relievers; Medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. can help reduce pain and inflammation... ### Using hot and cold compresses; Some symptoms of cervical spinal canal stenosis may be improved by using hot and cold compresses. ### maintaining desired weight; If you are overweight, your doctor may advise you to lose weight. ### Exercise for spinal stenosis.. Exercises such as bending, stretching, and strengthening may help open up the spine.... Talk to your doctor about the best exercise. ### Using crutches or a walker... Using these medical devices will help you stabilize and also help relieve pain by bending forward when walking. Sleep style in people with spinal canal stenosis The best sleeping position that is suggested for this group of people is to sleep on their side in the fetal position, that is, the knees are bent towards the stomach. Another condition that exists is that you must place your support so that your head and knees remain in a high position. Walking for people with spinal canal stenosis Walking is the best exercise and physical activity for this group of people.... You can control your speed and distance while walking.... If you don't have any problems or symptoms while walking, be sure to include this activity in your daily schedule. Does spinal canal stenosis lead to urinary and fecal incontinence?.. In very rare cases, if there is severe stenosis of the spinal canal, it leads to complications such as faecal and urinary incontinence.... This condition occurs when it has occurred in the spine and is known as cauda equina syndrome.... This is a very urgent condition and requires medical attention.. Walking for Stenosis spinal cord Walking is a good exercise for this condition... Actually, by doing this exercise, you have a controllable speed...