How to Know If You Have Spinal Stenosis

In the simplest of terms, spinal stenosis describes a narrowing in your spinal canal. The condition is fairly common, especially as you age ā€”Ā 20% of adultsĀ over the age of 60 in the United States show evidence of spinal stenosis. The good news is that more than 80% donā€™t experience any symptoms, but for those who do, spinal stenosis can cast a long shadow.

To help you identify whether you might haveĀ spinal stenosis, the experiencedĀ teamĀ of spine health experts here at Spinal Diagnostics pulled together a few of the more common signs of the condition below.

Sciatica

Your sciatic nerve is the largest in your bodyĀ  ā€” it starts in your lower back and then branches out and travels down the backs of your buttocks and legs. When you haveĀ sciatica, the nerve isĀ pinchedĀ or compressed, which can lead toĀ pain in your lower back, as well asĀ pain or numbness down one side of your lower extremities.

Pain when youā€™re upright

One of the hallmarks of spinal stenosis in your lower back, or lumbar spinal stenosis, is a pain in your lower back that goes away when you hunch forward slightly. For example, if you get out of bed in the morning and stand upright, only to be met with pain, you often lean forward and walk around for a little bit until everything loosens up, and you can stand tall again.

Numbness or tingling in your limbs

Spinal stenosis often affects the areas of your spine that enjoy the most movement, including your neck and lower back. If you develop stenosis in either of those areas, you may experience numbness and/or tingling in your limbs ā€” your buttocks, legs, and feet if you have lumbar spinal stenosis and the same symptoms in your arms and hands if you have cervical spinal stenosis.

If the stenosis worsens, you may experience muscle weakness in your limbs.

Painful and stiff neck

Many people with symptomatic cervical spinal stenosis experienceĀ neck pain, which they usually describe as a dull ache that worsens as the day progresses. In addition to the pain, your neck may be stiff and difficult to move.

Your legs feel heavy and cramp easily

Another common sign of spinal stenosis is a feeling of heaviness in one or both of your legs, or perhaps your legs might be cramping more easily.

The only way to know

If youā€™re experiencing any of the symptoms we describe above, the only way to know for sure whether spinal stenosis is present is to come see for a full evaluation. After reviewing your symptoms, we turn to advanced imaging to identify any narrowing along your spinal canal that may lead to the nerve compression and your symptoms.

If we find spinal stenosis, we offer interventional therapies that can ease your symptoms, such as epidural spinal injections or nerve blocks.Ā 

If your spinal stenosis is more advanced and hampering your ability to move freely, we offer innovative procedures, such asĀ VertiflexĀ®, which creates more space in your spinal canal. We also offer theĀ MildĀ®Ā procedure, during which we remove tiny pieces of tissue to create more space around your nerves.

For expert diagnosis and treatment of your spinal stenosis, pleaseĀ contactĀ one of our locations in Tualatin and Newberg, Oregon, to set up a consultation.

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