Spinal Stenosis symptoms
Many people associate spinal stenosis only with back pain. However, this condition can cause many other symptoms. Leg pain, numbness and tingling can be experienced in the extremities. There may also be problems with bladder or intestinal function. Some people also have balance problems or muscle weakness. (3)
The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Others may experience more severe symptoms, which can have a significant impact on their quality of living. If you experience any of these symptoms it’s important to consult a doctor. They could be signs of spinal stenosis.
Pain
You may have wondered whether you had a pinched or irritated nerve if you ever felt pain in your legs. This is one of the most common symptoms of spinal stenosis, a condition which affects the spine. It puts pressure on nerves and the spinal cord. This can lead to pain in the neck, back, arms or legs. The severity of pain caused by spinal stenosis varies from person to person and can get worse with time.
It may get worse if you move your neck or head, or if you stand or walk for a long time. Resting may help.
You can take several steps to relieve neck pain due to spinal stenosis. As much as you can, keep your neck and head straight. Avoid bending the head forwards or backwards. Avoid turning your head sideways.
Consult your doctor if you experience pain and numbness in any part.
Weakness
The spine is made up of a collection of small bones (vertebrae), which are stacked on top of one another. A disc is located between each vertebra. It cushions the spine and serves as a shock-absorber. The spinal canal is a passageway within the spine that runs the spinal cord. In spinal stenosis, the narrowing of spinal canal can place pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. This can lead to pain, numbness and weakness in your arms and legs.
The cause of weakness in spinal stenosis is not always obvious. There are some things you should be aware of. The nerves that exit the spine to reach the muscles are often the cause. The narrowing of spinal canal can damage these nerves, causing weakness in the muscles. Problems with blood supply to muscles is another common cause. The space around the spine can narrow, reducing blood flow to the muscles and oxygen supply. This leads to muscle weakness. Muscle weakness can also be caused by instability of the spine, such as bone spurs and herniated disks.
Numbness
Numbness of the extremities is common in people with spinal stenosis. The narrowing of spinal canals can cause this condition, which puts pressure on nerves that lead to the arms and leg. These nerves can become unable to function when they are compressed. This can cause a loss of sensation or feeling in the area they serve.
There are several things that can cause numbness for people with spinal stenosis. Compression of the nerves may cause them to malfunction and decrease blood flow and oxygenation. When the nerves become compressed, they can also become irritated. This can lead to pain and discomfort. If the stenosis becomes severe enough, it can damage the nerves and cause permanent numbness.
Tingling
Diabetes and spinal stenosis are two common causes of tingling hands and feet. Spinal stenosis can cause tingling to occur in the extremities. This condition is often caused by a narrowing in the spinal canal. It can cause pressure on the nerves running through the canal. You may feel tingling sensations in your feet and hands.
There are many things that can cause tingling with spinal stenosis. These include age-related changes and arthritis. If you experience any of these symptoms it’s best to see a doctor, preferably a neurophysician. They may indicate a more severe problem.
Walking and Balance Problems
Spinal stenosis can affect the spine, causing problems with walking and stability. This condition causes problems with balance and movement due to the constant pressure placed on the spinal cord and nerves.
People with spinal stenosis can have trouble walking, particularly uphill or over uneven surfaces. A loss of balance can also increase the risk of falling. Some people are unable to walk.
If you suffer from spinal stenosis, you can improve your balance and walking by doing several things. Exercise regularly. Exercise will improve your flexibility, strength and balance. Maintaining a healthy body weight is the second step.
Loss in hand function
Patients with spinal stenosis often complain of a loss of hand function. There are several factors that may contribute to the loss of hand functions in patients with spinal-stenosis. Compression of the nerves running through the spinal column is one of the most common causes. This can lead to tingling, numbness and weakness in the fingers and hands.
Muscle weakness, poor posture and inflammation of the spine can also contribute to loss in hand function. These factors can cause a decrease in strength and mobility of the hands.
Loss bowel control
A severe case of spinal stenosis can cause a loss of bowel control. Narrowing of the spinal canal can cause pressure on nerves controlling the bowels. This can lead to regularity problems, constipation and, in some cases, a complete loss of control. This is one of the most debilitating and frustrating symptoms of spinal stenosis for many people. You can manage the bowel issues that are related to spinal degeneration in a variety of ways:
Loss of bladder Control
Spinal stenosis may cause bladder incontinence. The spinal cord and its nerves control the bladder. These nerves can be compressed and cause problems with bladder function.
Many factors can cause bladder control issues in people with spinal Stenosis. The narrowing of the canal in the spine can cause the spinal cord to compress, which interferes with the messages sent from the brain to our bladder to regulate when we urinate. The nerves between the spinal chord and bladder can be affected by stenosis. This can lead to bladder control problems. These changes can result in a loss of bladder function, which is accompanied by frequent urination and urinary urgency.
