Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that causes compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots.
Spinal stenosis most commonly occurs in the lower back (calledlumbarstenosis) and neck (calledcervical stenosis).
But more often, spinal stenosis is acquired, resulting fromosteoarthritis of the spine.
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Thickening of a ligament in the back andbulging discsmay also cause spinal stenosis.
Other causes of spinal stenosis include trauma, tumors, and infections.
A physical exam that focuses on your neck, back, and extremities will also be performed.
A test called anelectromyography (EMG)may also be ordered in the diagnostic workup of spinal stenosis.
This test measures how well the nerves that originate in your spine are functioning.
Treatment
There is no cure for spinal stenosis, and it usually worsens over time.
Most cases of spinal stenosis aretreatedconservatively with medication and physical therapy, which can improve symptoms.
In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Physical Therapy
If you are diagnosed with spinal stenosis, you may be referred to physical therapy.
Regular exercise can also help ease your pain and improve spine mobility.
There are different surgical techniques used to treat spinal stenosis.
One such example is decompression laminectomy, which entails removing the buildup of bone in the spinal canal.
Aspinal fusionsurgery is sometimes performed along with this procedure.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.
2012;20(8):527-35. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-20-08-527
