What Is Spinal Stenosis in Vacaville?

Spinal stenosis in Vacaville occurs when the spaces within the spine start to become narrow thus putting pressure on the nerves that travel down the spine. This is common in the neck and lower back area.

Some people who have spinal stenosis may not experience any symptoms at all. While there are those who may experience numbness, pain, tingling, and muscle weakness. It can also have the tendency to worsen over time.

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is the wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to osteoarthritis. Severe cases of spinal stenosis may require surgery to create additional space for the nerves or spinal cord.

Types of Spinal Stenosis in Vacaville

The types of spinal stenosis are classified depending on which part of the spine the condition occurs. It is also possible that it can have more than one type. These are the two main types of spinal stenosis:

• Cervical Stenosis - This type of narrowing happens in the part of the spine around the neck area.
• Lumbar Stenosis - The narrowing happens in the spine around the lower back area. This is the most common type of spinal stenosis.

Symptoms

MRIs and CT scans can show evidence that a person has spinal stenosis, but they may not experience any symptoms. When they do, it can start off gradually and it may worsen over time. The symptoms will vary depending on where the stenosis is located, and which nerves are affected.

The neck (cervical spine)

• Neck pain
• Numbness or tingling in a hand, arm, foot or leg
• Weakness in a hand, arm, foot, or leg
• Walking and balance problems
• In severe cases, bladder or bowel dysfunction

The lower back (lumbar spine)

• Back pain
• Weakness in a foot or leg
• Numbness or tingling in a foot or leg
• Pain or cramping in one or both legs when walking or standing for a long time

The causes

The spine runs from the neck to the lower back. The bones of the spine form a spinal canal, which helps protect the nerves.

Some people are naturally born with a small spinal canal. However, most spinal stenosis takes place when something causes the open space to narrow in the spine. These are the possible causes of spinal stenosis:

• Herniated discs - Over time, the soft cushions that act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae start to dry out. Any crack on the disc's exterior will cause the soft inner material to leak out and press on the spinal cord or nerves.
• Overgrowth of bone - Wear and tear damage caused by osteoarthritis on the spinal bones can cause bone spurs to form, which can grow into the spinal canal. Paget's disease, a bone disease affecting adults, can also cause bone overgrowth in the spine.
• Tumors - Abnormal growths can form inside the spinal cord, within the membranes covering the spinal cord or the space between the vertebrae and spinal cord. This is not common and can be identified using imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan.
• Thickened ligaments - The tough cords holding the bones in the spine together can become stiff and thick over time. The thickened ligaments can bulge into the spinal canal.
• Spinal injuries - Car accidents and other trauma can dislocate or fracture one or more vertebrae. Displaced bone due to a spinal fracture may damage the parts of the spinal canal. If there is swelling of nearby tissue immediately after surgery, it can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.