Depending on the location and how much narrowing happens over time, a spinal nerve or the spinal cord may become compressed, causing pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness.

According to Dr Meher Thej AIIMS, Some individuals are born with a narrow spinal canal. This is known as "congenital stenosis." However, most spinal narrowing is caused by age-related changes that occur over time. This is referred to as "acquired spinal stenosis."

Causes Of Spinal Stenosis
The following are some of the causes of spinal stenosis:

Bone spurs: Wear-and-tear damage from arthritis can cause extra bone to grow on the spine. They have the ability to push into the spinal canal. Paget's disease can also result in the formation of extra bone on the spine.

Herniated disks: The soft cushions that act as shock absorbers between your spinal bones are known as disks. If some of the soft inner material of the disk leaks out, it can press on the spinal cord or nerves.

Thick ligaments: The strong cords that help hold your spine's bones together can stiffen and thicken over time. Thick ligaments can force their way into the spinal canal.

Tumors: According to Dr. Meher Tej AIIMS, rarely, tumors can form inside the spinal canal.

Spinal injuries: Spinal bones can break or move out of place as a result of car accidents and other trauma. Swelling of nearby tissue immediately following back surgery can also put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Symptoms Of Spinal Stenosis
In the lower back:
Boorgula Meher Thej says lower back spinal stenosis can cause pain or cramping in one or both legs. This occurs when you stand for an extended period of time or when you walk. When you bend forward or sit, your symptoms improve. Some people also experience back pain.

In the neck:

Numbness in hands or feet
Hand, leg, foot, or arm tingling or weakness
Walking and balance difficulties
Neck pain
Problems with the bowel or bladder

Treatment Of Spinal Stenosis
Treatment for spinal stenosis depends on how severe your symptoms are:

Mild to Moderate disease is managed conservatively with Medications and Exercises.

Medications For Spinal Stenosis:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): If over-the-counter pain relievers are ineffective, prescription NSAIDs may be beneficial.

Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, can be taken at night to help relieve chronic pain.

Anti-seizure drugs: Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise) and other anti-seizure medications are used to treat pain caused by damaged nerves.

Opioids: Medications like oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone, and others) and hydrocodone (Hysingla ER) can become addictive.


Exercises for spinal stenosis:

Dr Boorgula Meher Thej says exercise is very important in the treatment of this disease. Regular exercise to keep muscles strong and improve flexibility increases strength, reduces pain, and improves overall well-being.

Improve your flexibility: Stretching exercises can alleviate pain and make it easier to hold and move your neck and spine in a more healthy manner.

Strengthen your muscles: A series of exercises known as stabilization training can help build up and balance the muscles that support your neck.These are simple exercises that you can do at home without any special equipment, similar to stretching.

Boost your fitness: Aerobic exercises, which raise your heart and breathing rates, release endorphins, which are pain relievers. Bicycling and swimming are two examples of aerobic exercise.

When the disease is severe or when the following red flags are seen, surgery is indicated.
Warning Signs/ Red flag signs
Profound weakness in the limbs
Sensory loss in the limbs
Bowel/ bladder dysfunction
Saddle distribution of sensory loss

The type of surgery is decided based on the imaging. A Neurosurgeon's opinion is required to decide the approach for surgery.

About Dr Meher Thej AIIMS
Dr. Meher Tej AIIMS is a neurosurgeon. He trained at AIIMS, New Delhi. He has experience in Neuro Oncology, Skull-Based Vascular Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Functional-Epileptic Surgery, Spine Surgery, and Neurotrauma. The mission of Dr Boorgula Meher Thej in life is to build a successful neurosurgical career encompassing all aspects of neurosurgery, serving people, and growing himself.