Research suggests that over 100 million people around the world are affected by spinal stenosis. This condition can cause a range of symptoms including severe pain and a loss of mobility. Although more common in older adults, people of any age or gender can develop stenosis in various parts of the spine. However, spinal stenosis is most common in the lower back (lumbar) region.
This article will discuss how spinal stenosis affects mobility and quality of life, including what can be done to alleviate symptoms and potential long-term surgical cures. If you are experiencing spinal stenosis symptoms and are concerned about its possible impact, this short guide is for you.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a condition that relates to the space inside the backbone narrowing which can result in pressure being placed on the spinal cord and the nerves that run down the length of the spine. Most common in the lower back and the neck, spinal stenosis is responsible for a range of symptoms, although some people experience none at all.
Spinal stenosis symptoms include:
- Pain in the affected area of the back
- Sciatica (pressure on the sciatic nerve) which causes a burning or tingling sensation that can spread to the buttocks and down the legs
- Weakness, cramping, and/ or numbness in the legs
- Numbness and a lack of sensation in the feet
- Difficulty walking and standing up from a sitting position
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Nerve damage/ cauda equina syndrome
- A clear sign of spinal stenosis is if the pressure and pain are relieved when leaning forward.
Spinal Stenosis: Possible Causes
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of spinal stenosis and relates to the deterioration of the vertebral joints over time. Osteoarthritis is most common in adults who are aged over 50 and is the result of natural wear and tear over the years. In some cases, a person may be born with a spinal canal that is smaller than normal, causing spinal stenosis from a very early age.
Other causes of spinal stenosis may include:
- Spinal injuries
- Spinal tumors
- Bone diseases
- Herniated discs
- Deterioration caused by spinal surgery
- Other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis
Spinal Stenosis: The Impact on Mobility
Although not always the case, spinal stenosis can impair a person’s mobility, making it difficult to walk long distances, with some people also experiencing a change to their normal walking pattern (gait). This can result in a person not being able to enjoy some of their favorite hobbies such as participating in sports or general exercises.
Any difficulty in walking can also be exacerbated by continued pain and cramping in the legs; this discomfort can also be brought on by just standing. Sometimes, the pain and cramps can be accompanied by numbness and weakness which can result in a person losing confidence in their walking ability for the fear of falling. Sciatica is also present in many cases of spinal stenosis, bringing about an additional element of pain and unwanted sensations in the back, buttocks, and legs.
How Spinal Stenosis Can Impair Quality of Life
Some spinal stenosis sufferers may also experience a loss of bladder or bowel control which can have a serious impact on their quality of life and restrict them from enjoying a normal social life. A small percentage of people also report that their spinal stenosis contributes to sexual issues such as erectile dysfunction. However, this symptom is thought to be very rare.
If left untreated, another rare consequence of spinal stenosis is full or partial leg paralysis, requiring a person to use a wheelchair. Fortunately, this symptom could be reversed by surgery and a person can return to a normal life following rehabilitation.
Spinal Stenosis Treatments
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms referred to in this article it is advised to arrange a consultation with your doctor as soon as possible who can diagnose the problem and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
Physical Therapy
A doctor will likely recommend that you visit a physical therapist who can devise an exercise plan to help manage and reduce pain symptoms and improve flexibility, mobility, and muscle strength. By strengthening the core, the spine will receive more support and be better equipped to deal with conditions like spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis.
Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed to help reduce pain caused by spinal stenosis and reduce swelling around the affected area. Pain-killing injections may also be administered to offer targeted, short-term relief. This may involve an epidural injection close to the spine which can be more effective than standard pain-killing injections.
Back Braces
A person with spinal stenosis may be given a back brace to wear which provides additional support to the spine and can help to boost mobility by helping to ease some of the associated symptoms.
Walking and Gentle Exercises
Taking short and frequent walks can offer short and long-term relief, easing pressure on the spine and improving blood flow which can result in healthier nerves. This can be combined with gentle exercise such as non-strenuous stretching to make the muscles in the back more flexible.
Surgery for Spinal Stenosis
If a range of spinal stenosis treatments have proven unsuccessful and pain and other symptoms have persisted for a sustained period then the next step would likely be surgery. Most doctors consider surgery for spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or spondylosis to be a last resort, however, for some people, surgical treatment is a must to help them resume a normal life.
Thank you for reading. We hope this guide has provided some helpful insights into the impact of spinal stenosis and the available treatment options.