Severe Spinal Stenosis

From moderate to severe, spinal stenosis can cause nerve problems in otherwise healthy patients. This condition occurs when the spinal column narrows due to ligament calcification or bone spurs. These grow in response to a breakdown of cartilage, usually induced by age, obesity or other factors. Stenosis is a gradual process, which may explain why most patients don't recognize or correctly identify symptoms until the problem is advanced.

When abnormal bone growth encroaches on the normal space within the spinal canal, the nerves become crowded or pressed against the vertebrae. This is when pain or numbness will be noticeable, although these symptoms may be intermittent or slowly become more frequent. By the time they are severe, the disease has progressed to an acute stage and requires treatment. Those who experience pain that begins in the back and affects either the hips and legs or neck, shoulders and arms may have spinal stenosis.

The Effects of Severe Spinal Stenosis

Severe cervical spinal stenosis can result in chronic headaches, cramping or sharp pain that radiates through the upper body and limbs. Nerve damage here can cause weakness or imbalance, and the patient may fall or drop things. Severe lumbar spinal stenosis affects the lower body. Besides symptoms in hips or legs, there may be a loss of control over the bowels or bladder.

Experts at Bonati Institute for Arthroscopic Surgery can determine whether symptoms indicate severe spinal stenosis and how best to treat it. The institute offers comprehensive medical services and highly successful outpatient surgery for sufferers of spinal stenosis.