5 Important Facts About Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when one or more spaces within your spinal canal narrow. Your spinal canal is the space that runs through the center of each vertebra in your spine and through which your spinal cord travels. A canal narrowing can lead to bone impinging on your spinal cord and the nerves that branch off it (nerve roots), causing pain and other symptoms.

At Vertrae® in Dayton, Ohio, board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Kamal R. Woods and our expert team see many cases of spinal stenosis. As many patients aren’t aware of the problem, our team explains what you need to know.

What causes spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis can be congenital or acquired, developing later in life. Acquired spinal stenosis is the more common form, usually developing from wear-and-tear (degenerative) changes as you age. Only 9% of cases are caused by congenital defects.

Causes of acquired spinal stenosis include:

Bone overgrowth

Osteoarthritis, the degenerative form of arthritis, breaks down the cartilage in your joints, including those in your spine. Cartilage covers the ends of bones in your joints, preventing the bones from rubbing against each other. With constant use of your spine, the cartilage wears away, causing friction, inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

Your body reacts by producing new bone tissue. These osteophytes, bone spurs, develop on the vertebrae and extend into the spinal canal. This narrows the space and pinches the sensitive nerves in your spine, leading to symptoms.

Bulging or herniated discs

A flat, round cushion known as an intervertebral disc lies between each pair of vertebrae. It acts as a shock absorber and allows you to bend and flex. As you age, the discs may dry out and flatten, bulging into the spinal canal and narrowing the space.

In addition, cracking of the outer disc shell can cause the gel-like interior to break through and spill into the canal, pressing on nearby nerves.

Thickened ligaments

Ligaments are strong, fibrous tissue bands that help hold your spine together. Arthritis can cause ligaments to thicken or calcify over time and bulge into the spinal canal.

Spinal fractures and injuries

Broken or dislocated vertebrae or other bones near the spine can narrow the canal space. Inflammation from injuries near the spine also reduces the space.

Spinal cysts or tumors

Growths within or between the spinal cord and vertebrae may narrow the canal space.

Five important facts about spinal stenosis

Here are five essential things you should know about spinal stenosis.

1. It’s common: Degenerative changes in the spine affect up to 95% of people by the time they reach 50. For people 65 and over undergoing spinal surgery, stenosis is the most common diagnosis.
2. It can be treated conservatively: Dr. Woods always starts with conservative treatments, such as overthe-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, or injections.
3. It can affect the cervical or lumbar spine: Stenosis usually affects the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine because these areas are subject to the most motion and, therefore, are at risk for degenerative changes from wear and tear.
4. Imaging tests can detect it: Different types of imaging allow the doctor to see the changes in your spine. Some include:
   1. Spinal X-ray: This can show changes in bone structure, like loss of disk height or bone spur development.
   2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This scan provides detailed images of your nerves, discs, and spinal cord and can also show tumors.
   3. Computed tomography (CT) scan or CT myelogram: The regular CT scan creates cross-sectional images of your spine, giving the doctor a 3D picture. A myelogram highlights the spinal cord and related nerves using a contrast dye.
5. Lifestyle habits can help slow down progression: Since wear-and-tear isn’t something entirely under your control, there’s no guarantee you can prevent stenosis from occurring. However, you can take certain steps to keep your spine healthy, which may lower your risk or slow the progression of the problem.

Start by eating healthy foods, especially those with calcium, to keep your bones strong. Maintain a healthy weight to prevent stressing the joints. Avoid smoking or quit since it makes injuries difficult to heal. Practice good posture, and exercise regularly to keep your muscles, especially in your back and core, strong.

Is back pain keeping you from living the life you want? It may be due to spinal stenosis. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Dr.

Woods, contact our team at Vertrae.