It is often caused by:
·
Aging
·
Degeneration of discs and joints
·
Thickening of ligaments
·
Herniated discs
Symptoms
Symptoms
depend on the location of the stenosis:
Lower
Back (Lumbar Spine):
·
Lower back pain
·
Pain radiating to the legs
·
Numbness or tingling
·
Muscle weakness
·
Difficulty walking
Neck
(Cervical Spine):
·
Neck pain
·
Numbness in the hands
·
Weakness in the arms
·
Balance problems in advanced cases
Symptoms
often worsen with standing or walking and improve with rest.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
is based on:
·
Clinical examination
·
MRI imaging
·
CT scan if needed
Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper
treatment planning.
Treatment
Options
Treatment
depends on the severity of symptoms:
Non-Surgical
Treatment
For
mild to moderate cases:
·
Medications
·
Physical therapy
·
Targeted injections
Surgical
Treatment
Recommended
for advanced cases or when conservative treatment fails.
The
goal of surgery:
·
Decompress the nerves
·
Widen the spinal canal
In
some cases:
·
Part of the bone or ligament is removed
·
Spinal stabilization (fusion) may be required
Modern techniques help reduce pain and improve
recovery.
Is
Surgery Always Necessary?
No.
Many patients improve with non-surgical treatment. Surgery is considered when
symptoms are severe or progressive.
Importance
of Early Diagnosis
Early
diagnosis helps:
·
Prevent progression
·
Protect nerve function
·
Improve outcomes
A
Message to Patients
If
you experience back pain or difficulty walking,
early medical evaluation can help identify the cause and guide the most
appropriate treatment.