Spinal stenosis symptoms tend to worsen the more you walk without treating it since the leading cause is a contraction of the spinal cord, which irritates the leg nerves.
Walking, standing, or extending the lumbar area of the spine can cause symptoms to worsen. Sitting or flexing the lower back or neck may relieve symptoms.
Heated and cold compresses: A heat compress or a hot shower will help to loosen up muscles, while cool compresses alleviate inflammation. Both can be used as needed in the affected areas. Over-the-counter medications: Pain medications can provide some temporary relief of discomfort, pain and inflammation.
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of spinal stenosis. More serious symptoms that need prompt attention include: Difficulty or poor balance when walking. Worsening numbness and weakness of your limb.
Spinal stenosis in the lower back can cause pain or cramping in one or both legs. This happens when you stand for a long time or when you walk. Symptoms get better when you bend forward or sit. Some people also have back pain.
High-impact activities: Activities that involve high-impact, such as jumping, running, or contact sports, should be avoided as they can cause further injury to the spine. Heavy lifting: Heavy lifting can put a lot of stress on your spine and exacerbate your symptoms.
Physical therapy to maintain motion of the spine, strengthen abdominal and back muscles, and build endurance, all of which help stabilize the spine. You may be encouraged to try slowly progressive aerobic activity, such as swimming or using exercise bicycles.
Red-flag signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis
Rarely, severe spinal stenosis may cause red-flag symptoms, such as bowel and/or bladder incontinence, numbness in the inner thighs and genital area, and/or severe weakness in both legs.
In spinal stenosis, people typically experience less pain with leaning forward, and especially with sitting. Studies of the lumbar spine show that leaning forward can increase the space available for the nerves. Pain is usually made worse by standing up straight and walking.
Many cases of spinal stenosis aren't progressive. In these cases, the condition causes episodes of pain and dysfunction. However, spinal stenosis can slowly progress over time from day-to-day wear and tear.
Many over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen work well, but there are prescription medications as well, such as Voltaren (diclofenac) and Naproxin (naproxen).
Spinal Stenosis
With this condition, it may be preferable to sleep on the sides with the knees curled up (in the fetal position). This helps relieve pressure on the nerve root. Sleeping in a reclining chair or an adjustable bed that allows the head and knees to remain elevated can also relieve pressure on the nerve.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, water loss causes discs to collapse between vertebrae resulting in injury. Injuries like spinal stenosis, degenerative disc, and herniated disc can arise from a core of dehydrated discs within vertebrae.
Pain and other symptoms of this condition can occur earlier than others, sometimes in young adulthood. The primary symptom of stenosis at any site is pain and fatigue resulting from pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Standing in one position, such as in line at a checkout will also make their symptoms worse. Some people also develop numbness or tingling in their legs. Lying down or bending backwards also can make their symptoms worse.
The vehicle should have a high, comfortable seat, with a straight back and a good head rest support. Pain and neurological or motion restrictions may lead the physician to advise against driving.
As a result, climbing stairs reduces the amount of space in the spinal canal. This temporarily exacerbates the effects of spinal stenosis, potentially leading to worsened pain and other symptoms. If you've been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, it's wise to keep climbing stairs to a minimum.
In the final stages, you will lose control of the bladder and/or bowel, be unable to walk or stand and experience extreme pain or numbness in the lower parts of the body. Your doctor will grade the severity of your spinal stenosis.
Spine-Related Red Flag Warning Signs
But if you develop any of the following emergency signs, you should see a doctor immediately: Loss of bowel and/or bladder function. Worsening or disabling spine pain in the neck, mid back, or low back. Arm and/or leg weakness, pain, numbness, or tingling.
To qualify per the Blue Book listing, you must show that you have a diagnosis of spinal stenosis and that the condition cause chronic pain and weakness that does not radiate from a nerve and that seriously interferes with your ability to walk and requires the use of a walking device requiring the use of both arms, or ...
Most people have good results from surgery and are able to return to a normal lifestyle after they heal. People tend to have less leg pain and can walk better afterward. However, surgery doesn't cure arthritis or other conditions that might have caused the spinal canal to narrow in the first place.
Chiropractic care can help reduce the pressure on the nerves while restoring your range of motion and reducing pain levels due to spinal stenosis. Chiropractic care is a proven, safe and effective treatment option for those who are searching for an alternative and natural method to treat spinal stenosis.
Stage 3 – Stabilization
Bone spurs continue to grow and can narrow the spinal canal, which presses onto the spinal cord or nerve roots. This condition, called spinal stenosis, triggers pressure that can cause limb pain, tingling, and numbness. During this stage, patients may find they lose control of the legs.
As there is no cure for spinal stenosis, early detection, and treatment of the root cause can provide significant pain relief and improve symptoms.