Understanding Cervical Spinal Stenosis- a form of Spinal Stenosis

In the previous posts, have discussed about Spinal Stenosis as a problem- its symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment. Spinal Stenosis when affects the neck, it is known as Cervical Spinal Stenosis. In short, Cervical Spinal Stenosis  is a condition where the spine or spinal canal becomes narrow at the neck resulting in compressed nerve roots. In certain cases, this problem may even damage the  spinal cord. 

Just like Spinal Stenosis, generally people over the age of 50 gets affected by this disease. But it is hard to identify Cervical Spinal Stenosis  since, the symptoms are generally not visible in the early stage. Usually, the symptoms start showing only when the spinal cord or the nerves becomes compressed. But if you experience problems like pain or stiffness followed by numbness or weakness in the neck, shoulder, arms, hands and legs along with loss of bowel control, then please don’t ignore. Consult a specialist immediately.

Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Stenosis

Lower Back Pain along with pain or pinching sensation in the legs are the primary symptoms of Spinal Stenosis. In addition to this, unusual leg symptoms like numbness or tingling sensation in the legs are also signs of  this disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t delay consulting a doctor. The doctor may suggest getting an MRI or a CT scan in order to diagnose the problem. Further, with few changes in posture along with the regular course of

anti-inflammatory medicine, this problem can be treated. But, if the earlier mentioned treatments fail; surgery is a viable option. 

Know about the Factors which can cause Spinal Stenosis

Aging is the most common factor that leads to Spinal Stenosis. As a person grows older the tissues which supports the spine become thick, this results in narrowing of the spinal canal causing Spinal Stenosis. Besides, bones getting bigger or spurring of bones, too, can cause this problem. 

Other than aging, diseases like arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis), Scoliosis, Spinal Tumor, excessive accumulation of fluoride or calcium deposits in the body; can also create conditions which can lead to Spinal Stenosis.

 

Understanding Spinal Disorder called Spinal Stenosis

Our ‪spine‬ consists of 3 parts, and when the spine becomes narrow at any of these parts, this leads to a ‪‎spinal problem‬ called ‪Spinal Stenosis‬. 

The narrowing of the spine causes excessive pressure on the nerves and the spinal cord which results in ‪pain‬. 

Generally, people in their mid 50's face this problem, but people who are either born with a narrow spinal canal or those who got their spine injured in any accident, can also become a victim of this disease. Pain and numbness in the back or neck which goes down to leg, might be an indication of this disease. In addition, if one is facing problems like loss of bowel or bladder control, pain or weakness in legs, consulting a doctor immediately is suggested. 

Diagnosing this problem in early stages can help in better treatment. So, if you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms; please don't ignore.

Inflammation is among the top most reason behind Back Pain

The most common reason behind ‪backpain‬ is muscle or ligament ‪inflammation‬. It is caused when the muscle or ligaments get overstretched, ultimately leading to pain. Many a time, ‪stress‬ and bad ‪posture‬ while working, ‪exercising‬ or doing any routine chore, can also contribute to lower back pain. Back pain caused by inflammation generally gets healed easily with time. Proper rest along with heat therapy can help in easing out the pain. But in order to achieve long-term relief from back pain, one must take alter their postures and include regular workout as a part of their routine. 

Ways for complete rehabilitation of spine

Taking bed rest for a day or two is completely understandable when it comes to a sudden problem of ‪back pain‬. But, in order to completely alleviate back pain ‪exercising‬ is a must. Following a regular exercise regimen under the guidance of a physiotherapist can go a long way in the rehabilitation of ‪spinal pain‬.

In the image enclosed below, there are few simple exercises along with come correct postures that one should follow for spinal rehabilitation.

Kyphosis- unusual Curvature of the Spine

Kyphosis is an unusual posture of the spine that causes a slouching or hunchback posture. In simple words, it is an abnormal spinal curvature that affects the thoracic spine (Chest or Breastplate) and sometimes the cervical spine as well. A normal thoracic spine extends from the 1st to the 12th vertebra of your back and should have a slight kyphotic angle, ranging from 20° to 45° In minor cases, it can just cause back pain, muscle fatigue and inflexibility on the mild side of the spectrum. However, in major cases, it can result into breathing difficulty and extreme chest pain that required immediate medical attention. So, one should not delay in consulting a spine specialist in such cases as he can determine whether one needs treatment for this or not.

Have a Happy Holi!

Exercises for Rehabilitation of TNS

In the earlier posts, we have talked about Text Neck Syndrome (TNS) - how it is increasingly affecting a large number of people, its causes, symptoms and precautions to reduce the aggravation of this problem. To bring the series into conclusion, would like to talk about few exercises that can be performed as a part of the rehabilitation process. One needs to strengthen their core back and abdominal muscles, in order to support the upper body, especially, the neck. So, try to incorporate exercise into your daily routine which helps strengthen these core muscles. Secondly, perform exercises to increase the strength and flexibility of the neck muscles; this will help in minimizing excessive strain on the cervical spine. Last but not the least, performing these exercises will not only help in relieving the problems related to Text Neck Syndrome; but also promote overall health.

Precautionary Steps to protect Text Neck Syndrome

   

 We all have heard about this famous proverb, "Prevention is better than cure". The same applies for Text Neck Syndrome. Small changes in your posture can to a large extent help in preventing further advancement of Text Neck. While texting hold your cell phone at your eye level. The same is applicable while working on laptop or computer. This will help in minimising your necks excessive downward movement which in the long run leads to chronic neck or upper back pain. 

Symptoms of Text Neck Syndrome

The major reason behind the development of Text Neck Syndrome is the unnatural posture that people get struck wherein they look down to their mobile phone’s screen, making a hunched position. This incorrect posture in the long run can cause sore neck along with stiffness and pain in the shoulders. In addition to this, Text neck Syndrome can also lead to conditions like:

• Chronic Headache
• Pain in the upper region of the spine (Cervical Spine)- This pain can vary from chronic to nagging to striking pain along with muscle spasms
• Muscle spasm in the shoulder along with stiffness and pain
• Many a times, the cervical nerve gets effected due to which certain neurological symptoms in the form of radiating pain which moves down from the arm to the hand; can also be experienced.