- 25 Sep, 2023
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6 Signs of Spinal Stenosis You need to Know
Do you have back, arm, or leg pain that seems to come and go depending on what you’re doing? If so, these signs could mean that you have spine stenosis. Spinal stenosis meaning when the spaces in your spinal canal get smaller, which could cause your spinal cord and nerves to get squished. This condition can affect any age of the person, whether it doesn’t matter what their age is. But it is really a common condition for people who are already 60 or above 60. This blog may help you to understand what Spinal stenosis meaning is and, what are the common signs of spinal stenosis, and every important information which you need to know.
Common Signs Of Spinal Stenosis
So here are a few signs of spinal stenosis, which may help you to recognize this condition in an early phase and help you to get the right treatment. Which include:
1. Neurogenic Claudication
Neurogenic claudication meaning it is the most of the common signs of spinal stenosis. When the nerves in your lower back become compressed, you may experience the following characteristics of neurogenic claudication:
- Constant pain and/or numbness in your legs when standing.
- Increased pain and/or numbness in your legs when walking certain distances or bending your spine backward.
- Difficulty performing upright exercises or activities.
- Relief of pain and/or numbness when you bend your spine forward, such as when leaning on a shopping cart, squatting, or sitting and leaning forward.
- Your doctor will need to differentiate this pain from vascular neuroclaudication, which can mimic neurogenic claudication.
2. Sciatica
Compression of the nerve roots in your lower back can lead to lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica, depending on the affected nerve roots. Sciatica is characterized by nerve pain and weakness typically felt in one leg at a time. Depending on the affected nerve root(s), you may experience pain in your lower back, buttock, thigh, calf, leg, and/or foot. Other sensations, such as tingling, a pins-and-needles feeling, weakness, and numbness, may also occur in the areas affected by pain.
3. Foot Drop
Compression of the L4 and L5 nerve roots in the lower spine can result in foot drop, a condition characterized by motor weakness in your foot. This weakness may make it difficult to lift the foot and/or toes upward, causing you to involuntarily drag your foot or stumble while walking.
4. Gait Problems
Signs of spinal stenosis can impact your walking ability in various ways depending on its location within the spine:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis in the lower back may cause gait problems due to conditions like foot drop.
- Cervical spinal stenosis in the neck with spinal cord compression may lead to balance difficulties while walking, especially in low-light conditions. However, cervical spinal stenosis with a pinched nerve does not typically cause gait imbalance.
These gait changes may initially be subtle but can progress over time, resulting in an increased risk of falls.
5. Radiating Arm Pain
Cervical spinal stenosis, when present, may cause mild to moderate burning or shock-like pain in the neck, shoulder, and/or arms. Numbness, tingling, and other weird feelings in both hands are also possible. The arms and hands may become weak as a result of this illness.
6. Loss Of Fine Motor Skills
Spinal stenosis in the cervical spine can make it challenging to perform tasks that require fine motor skills of the hand, such as buttoning a shirt. In advanced stages, it can even hinder your ability to write or hold a pen.
How To Prevent Spinal Stenosis?
Here are few tips to prevent spinal stenosis, which includes:
Here are few tips to prevent spinal stenosis, which includes:
- Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in calcium can help maintain strong bones and potentially reduce the risk of spinal issues.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Staying at a healthy weight can reduce the stress on your spine and lower the risk of developing spinal stenosis.
- Quit Smoking: Avoiding or quitting smoking is essential, as smoking damages arteries and can contribute to back pain while hindering the healing of injuries.
- Good Posture: Practicing good posture can alleviate unnecessary strain on your spine and may help prevent spinal problems.
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular exercise, particularly to strengthen your back and core muscles, plays a vital role in maintaining spine health and potentially slowing the
Conclusion
If you recognize these signs of spinal stenosis in yourself, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, as spinal stenosis can worsen without proper treatment. If caught and treated in time, the body can be restored, and quality of life can be much improved. If you think you have spinal stenosis, don’t hold more consult with the Best spine surgeon in UAE to get the right treatment.
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