Spinal Stenosis Treatment With Back Pain Specialist

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is when the spaces in your backbone actually narrow and cost pressure to be placed on your nerves in your final cord. Roughly 75% of cases occur in the lower back. In many cases the narrowing of your spine is typically associated with compression on your nerve root and it is this compression which causes pain along the back part of your life.

What is the cause of spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis can be caused by age. When you age your bodies ligaments will thicken and bone spurs can develop. The cushioning which exists between the vertebrae in your back will start to deteriorate and the facet joints will begin to break down when all of these things happen it can cause the spaces inside of your spinal column to narrow.

Arthritis can also affect your spine. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two causes of spinal stenosis. If you are born with a spinal canal which is already too small such structural deformities will cause narrowing of your spinal canal. In cases like this it is often hereditary.

If you have instability in your spine or you have tumors along your spine it can effectors final column and cause inflammation and eventual displacement of phone which can lead to spinal stenosis. If you were involved in an accident where you dislocated your spine or spinal column it can cause fractures which penetrate your smile canal and lead to spinal stenosis.

What are the symptoms?

The biggest symptom is lower back pain and pain in your legs. The stenosis can pinch the nerves which control the sensation and muscle power in your legs which can cause frequent falling, pain or difficulty when you try to walk, as well as numbness or tingling in your legs.

How can spinal stenosis be diagnosed?

Spinal stenosis is actually quite challenging to diagnose for a back pain specialist Chicago because the symptoms can be caused by many other conditions. Typically people who developed this condition have no history of back problems. It is often unusual leg symptoms that are a strong indicator for spinal stenosis. Its simple treatments like anti-inflammatory medications or postural changes do not relieve the pain then imaging studies might be required to determine the cause of your pain. MRI or CT scan might be requested by your back pain specialist in Chicago. In other cases your doctor may request that you undergo an x-ray which takes an image of your spine after die has been injected. This is an imaging study which can be used to find out details about your condition and help with your diagnosis.

What are the treatment options?

There are multiple treatment options available at the pain clinic in Chicago for spinal stenosis. People who have this condition may find that simply flexing their spine by leaning forward as they walk can relieve their symptoms. Changes in posture can also help. Medications are another treatment option which can be used to relieve the swelling which places pressure on your nerves. Regular aspirin or Ibuprofen can be used to alleviate symptoms. Rest after strong activities can also help. Aerobic activities can help to change your posture and improve your spinal position. If all of these fail to produce any drastic changes or improvements surgery maybe the only option available.

For more information visit pain clinic Chicago today.