Irregular back pain;get examined for Spinal Stenosis

                                               Watch out against irregular back pain-It might be Spinal Stenosis

Spinal pain is one of the major health problem being faced by the people. Young or old,office goer or blue colared worker,all are affected by the pain,with the type and severity being the only differentiators. One such pain,is Spinal Stenosis,a problem which occurs when bulging discs, arthritic spurs, and thickened tissues combine to compress the nerves traveling through the spinal cana .Most commonly seen so far in the elderly, a disturbingly high number of youngsters have recently been started being diagnosed with this problem. It was known to be commonly caused by wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to aging but in youngsters life style issues are playing a major role.

In Spinal Stenosis, the open spaces within the spine (backbone) gets narrowed which causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. The narrowing process, which is gradual, reduces the space available for the spinal cord and nerves. In most cases, the narrowing of the spine is associated with stenosis which ultimately compresses the nerve root. It may cause leg pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in body.

Spinal stenosis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can be caused by other conditions. Usually, people who develop stenosis have no history of back problems or any recent injury. It symptoms generally includes irregular pain which goes away on resting.The pain is pronounced while walking.The condition is caused by years of wear and tear and not generally by sudden injury.

There are two types of spinal stenosis lumbar stenosis and cervical stenosis and unless and until very severe and complicated,it can be non surgically treated.It is important for the patient to be physically active and exercises may not cure but play a major role in quicker recovery. Change in daily activity like using a recliner instead of strait jacketed back seat are other important measures which can be taken.

Another treatment which works in about fifty percent of the cases is set of epidural injection.These have a further role as those require surgery,the one’s who have taken these injections have quicker and better recovery.If despite all these measures the patient continues to suffer from debilitating pain,then surgery is one such good option.Infact the result of the surgery in the case of Stenosis is second only to removal of Herniated discs.But there are due considerations which should be taken care of before the surgery and only best of the surgeons who is very sure of his craft should undertake it.

The surgeon should be sure of damaged stenosis.No other nerve should be pinched during the surgery.Also the physical condition of the patient should be considered before hand.If such precautions are undertaken the surgeries are generally safe and lead to good outcomes for the patients.   

After the surgery, pain may persist for a few days, requiring the use of pain medications and inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling. Walking and strengthening exercises will be prescribed for the lower back and abdomen which will help stabilizing the spine. Hot showers and hot compresses or the use of an ice pack also will help removing pain.