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Spinal Stenosis develops gradually over time, usually caused by wear and tear or degenerative changes.
Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of spaces within the spinal canal. The narrowing of spaces leaves less space for the spinal cord or nerves to function well, causing a variety of symptoms. Compression of the spinal cord or nerves can cause pain to radiate down the arms or legs, pins and needles, and numbness. It can also cause bowel, bladder, or sexual dysfunction. Sometimes patients report difficulty with their balance, and in severe cases, they may find themselves repeatedly falling over.
Spinal Stenosis usually affects the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar region). It is mostly caused by wear and tear due to ageing and osteoarthritis.
Spinal stenosis is of two types, classified based on their site:
Cervical stenosis occurs in the neck region. Compression of the spinal cord in this region causes cervical myelopathy – symptoms due to compression of the spinal cord. Compression of nerves as they leave the spinal cord, on the other hand, causes cervical radiculopathy.
The lumbar region or the lower back has no spinal cord – a condition where the cord has terminated, and only nerves are there. Compression of these nerves leads to lumbar spinal stenosis.
Although spinal stenosis can be caused for several reasons, it shares the same fundamental cause, that is, nerve pinching due to the narrowing of spaces in the spinal canal. Spinal stenosis is caused for the following reasons.
Osteoarthritis, or wear and tear of the spine, is the commonest cause of spinal stenosis. The protective cartilage layer on the joint wears over time, and, as a result, the bones rub against each other. As a natural bodily response, uneven bone overgrowth replaces the wear and tear, which is called bone spur. The bone spurs extend into the spinal canal, decreasing the space in the canal and compressing the spinal nerves.
Decreased height of the disc and bulging causes the canal to be narrowed, which in combination with bone spurs, can cause severe spinal stenosis.
The ligaments are fibrous bands that bind the spinal structure. Arthritis may cause ligaments to thicken, harden, and bulge into the spinal space, causing spinal stenosis.
Spinal Stenosis is a gradual process. Its symptoms may come on all of a sudden, or they may gradually increase in time. Spinal stenosis affects different parts of the spine, and hence symptoms can vary:
Some symptoms of spinal stenosis are common to other spine disorders. Hence, our spine surgeon Dr. Sherief Elsayed looks into the finer details to discover the root cause of the problem. He begins the diagnosis by interrogating the complete medical history and physical examination.
Dr Sherief physically examines the area and asks the patient to perform a walking test or motion test involving certain bones and a set of muscles. To conclude better, he may seek the help of the following investigations:
Spine Stenosis is an age-related and common disorder. Many cases are helped with physical therapy, medicines, and sometimes steroid injections. However, delaying the stenosis treatment in Dubai may aggravate leads to poorer outcomes in the longer term.
The prescribed treatment depends upon the overall condition of the patient. Accordingly, the treatment is classified as
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and diclofenac help to relieve pain from spinal stenosis. The doctor may also provide muscle relaxant medications to treat muscle cramps and spasms.
When medications do not give as much pain relief as required, the doctor may administer corticosteroid injections, a steroid injection in the epidural space, to relieve pain. Steroid injections are chosen judiciously for use, as their excess usage may weaken bones.
The doctor may or may not ask for therapy with medications. Therapy typically consists of physiotherapy in combination with home exercises. Exercise helps to increase blood circulation, may aid to release of nerve roots, and muscle spasms, and strengthens muscles and bones.
Surgery is an excellent option if leg symptoms are the predominant concern.
Occasionally urgent surgery is required – if there is weakness or loss of bladder/bowel / sexual function.
Surgery may also be suggested if there is
Surgery aims to decompress the compressed nerves and stabilize the vertebrae to give a long-term solution to spinal stenosis. Some surgical methods used are
Dr Sherief monitors cases closely by scheduling post-operative appointments and suggesting specific exercises in consultation with a physiotherapist for better recovery. Dr Sherief is one of the top spine surgeons in Dubai, performing a diverse and intricate range of spine surgeries in Dubai, giving positive results with excellent testimonials from his patients.
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