Exploring Spinal Stenosis Symptoms

Spinal stenosis symptoms can vary based on the location of the stenosis (narrowing) within the spinal canal. What causes this narrowing can vary as well, since there are several spinal conditions that can contribute to the blockage, such as herniated or bulging discs, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments. The narrowing itself may not become problematic until the spinal cord or a nerve root is compressed.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

The spinal stenosis symptoms that arise in the cervical (neck) region of the spine can be particularly bothersome, as direct compression of the spinal cord is more likely to occur in this area. A bulging disc in the neck, for example, may protrude past its normal boundary and extend into the spinal canal, where it could come in contact with the spinal cord or one of the cervical nerve roots. Pain can arise directly at the site of compression and radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness may affect the shoulders, arms, and hands. Headaches may also occur.

Thoracic Spinal Stenosis

Since the thoracic (mid-back) region of the spine is relatively stable, compared to the neck or lower back, narrowing of the spinal canal seldom occurs in this area of the spine. There may be slightly more risk with spinal stenosis in this region, however, because the spinal canal is naturally smaller in this area. When the condition does occur, pain may radiate around the chest and the mid-back, and muscle weakness and numbness may affect the legs. In rare cases, paralysis from the waist down can also occur.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

The lumbar (lower back) region of the spine bears the brunt of the upper body’s weight and is highly mobile, which means degenerative spinal conditions are more likely to develop in this area. For instance, if a thickened and calcified ligament in the lumbar region causes spinal stenosis and nerve compression, symptoms may include a dull, aching, burning, electric, or sharp pain at the point of contact, as well as pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling that travels down through the lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, and feet.

Treatments

A doctor will usually recommend a regimen of conservative (non-surgical) treatments to help alleviate spinal stenosis symptoms, such as physical therapy, hot/cold compresses, pain medication, and others. If several weeks or months of these treatments fail to provide pain relief, surgery may then be suggested.