How Is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed
Spinal stenosis is a medical condition which widens the spinal canal. It may lead to pain and some other problems. Spinal stenosis types:
- cervical spinal stenosis
- lumbar spinal stenosis
- thoracic spinal stenosis
- congenital spinal stenosis
Symptoms
The symptoms may not be the same for everyone, but spinal stenosis mainly affects the lower back and neck. The other symptoms:
- Sciatica: Pain that starts down the legs.
- Foot drop: Weakening the strength in the legs
- Difficulty while walking or standing:
Loss of bladder or bowel control: Nerves tend to become weak that affects the bladder or bowel.
Causes
Arthritis is the main reason for spinal stenosis or multiple sclerosis and is mainly caused by cartilage break down along with the growth of bone tissues. In this stage, the spinal nerves and spinal cord undergo a pressure that leads to thickening of the ligament of the spine and the bone spurs. The causes can be explained below:
- Herniated discs: Leads to pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves.
- Injuries: Fractures causing damage to the spine.
- Tumors: The growth of cancer-causing cells.
- Paget’s disease: Spinal canal becomes wider accompanied by nerve problems.
Diagnosis
Once after the doctor examines the complete body and does medical tests after which the patient will receive the diagnosis report. Some of the basic tests can be,
- X-rays: It reveals the bone changes that took place in the spinal canal true radiations.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) : Provides a cross-sectional image of the spine through powerful magnetic and radio waves.
- CT myelogram or CT: Injecting a contrast dye that reveals the output.
The cure for spinal stenosis
Can spinal stenosis be cured? In fact, there is no permanent cure for spinal stenosis, but the treatments can help in reducing the symptoms. The anti-inflammatory medication may sometimes lead to swelling and pain.
Spinal Stenosis Hospitals in the US:
- Arkansas Surgical Hospital
- Aultman Hospital
- Forsyth Medical Center
- Fort Walton Beach
- Forrest General Hospital
- Emory University Orthopaedics& Spine Hospital (Atlanta)
- Einstein Medical Center (Philadelphia)
- Duke University Hospital (Durham, N.C.)
- Doctors Hospital of Sarasota (Fla.).