What are the most common symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?
I am suffering several weird symptoms from a bad back and cannot be sure which belong to Stenosis and which don’t. Can anyone tell me? Thanks in advance for any help.
Back pain. People with spinal stenosis may or may not have back pain, depending on the degree of arthritis that has developed.
Spinal nerves relay sensation in specific parts of your body. Pressure on the nerves can cause pain in the areas that the nerves supply. Pain in the buttocks that radiates down the leg — called sciatica — is caused by this pressure.
Burning pain in buttocks or legs (sciatica). Pressure on spinal nerves can result in pain in the areas that the nerves supply. The pain may be described as an ache or a burning feeling. It typically starts in the area of the buttocks and radiates down the leg. The pain down the leg is often called “sciatica.” As it progresses, it can result in pain in the foot.
Numbness or tingling in buttocks or legs. As pressure on the nerve increases, numbness and tingling often accompany the burning pain. Although not all will have both burning pain and numbness and tingling.
Weakness in the legs or “foot drop.” Once the pressure reaches a critical level, weakness can occur in one or both legs. Some patients will have a foot-drop, or the feeling that their foot slaps on the ground while walking.
Less pain with leaning forward or sitting. Studies of the lumbar spine show that leaning forward can actually increase the space available for the nerves. Pain is usually made worse by standing up straight and walking. Some note that they can ride a stationary bike or walk leaning on a shopping cart. Walking more than 1 or 2 blocks, however, may bring on severe sciatica or weakness.
That refers to lumbar stenosis. You can get cervical and thoracic stenosis too.
Differential diagnosis.
Peripheral vascular disease
Large central disc herniation
Spondylolisthesis: degenerative lumbar vertebra subluxation
Lumbar spine trauma or vertebral fracture
Inflammatory arachnoiditis
You need to see your doctor to find out wxactly what is wrong. s/he will probably refer you to an orthopaedic specialist.
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