Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
The symptoms of spinal stenosis can range from nonexistent to minor to debilitating. Most cases of mild to moderate
spinal stenosis
do not produce any pain or related neurological effects at all. This is because although the central canal or foraminal spaces are decreased in size, there is still plenty of room for the nerve structures to function normally. In essence, there is no compression… However, when the stenosis becomes severe, then localized or widespread spinal stenosis symptoms may result and may become nightmarish for any affected patient.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis Details
Here are some of the usual spinal stenosis symptoms experienced by patients with a range of central canal narrowing conditions:Spinal stenosis tingling is described as a “pins and needles” feeling, usually in combination with other neurological symptoms. Spinal stenosis weakness occurs when areas of the body actually lose strength or are perceived to lose strength. Spinal stenosis numbness can be subjective or objective, helping to diagnosed the root source of symptoms Spinal stenosis foot drop is a very noticeable condition in which the patient can not raise their toes on one or both feet. This condition makes it very difficult to walk or do any physical activity with the legs. Falling down from spinal stenosis is a common patient experience, particularly when the condition is severe or extreme. Incontinence from spinal stenosis is one of the most dreaded of all symptomatic expressions. Spinal stenosis flare ups are acute periods of pain which are likely to be recurrent in many affected patients.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis / Asymptomatic
Asymptomatic spinal stenosis represents the majority of diagnosed patients with mild to moderate central canal and foraminal space narrowing conditions. Remember, that just because the central canal or foraminal openings are decreased in size, for any reason, this does not mean that symptoms will definitely result. Spinal stenosis is normal to experience as we age and most people with the physical indications of the condition will NEVER develop any significant symptoms from the decreased canal space. The epidemic incidence of misdiagnosed spinal stenosis helps to explain why so many patients can not find lasting relief from their symptoms, since the stenosis treatments used are not targeting the true underlying causative process (whatever that may be in their respective cases…)
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis Advice
Diagnosing spinal stenosis of any variety by symptomatic expression alone is impossible. Diagnostic imaging is required and MRI scans are best for visualizing the interior of the spinal canal. Once images are returned, then symptomatic correlation can begin. In some cases, symptoms will be as expected for the structural conditions diagnosed. In these cases, treatment can begin and should work (although many times, they do not…) In many cases, symptoms do not correlate to the diagnostic findings or may well correlate, but the actual source of symptoms resides elsewhere. This is very common for patients with
lumbar stenosis
and sciatica, although the actual cause may be yet undiscovered
cervical stenosis
in the neck. I see this all the time… Just remember that stenosis in its milder and moderate forms are normal, expected and not usually a cause of pain. In these cases, pursuing treatment is likely to yield poor results and surgery may make matters MUCH, MUCH worse.Read more about why some patients become disabled by spinal stenosis.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis to Spinal Stenosis
1/3/11 Revised 5/2/12
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