Warning Signs Of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the nerve roots or spinal cord become compressed. Most patients who have spinal stenosis experience it as a result of osteoarthritis. However, they can develop spinal stenosis without an official osteoarthritis diagnosis. Researchers say anyone over fifty years old is at risk of developing the condition. The diagnosis is based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. There are a wide variety of different symptoms, and the impact on different patients also varies. Some might experience only mild discomfort and pain, while others might have debilitating and chronic symptoms that inhibit day-to-day life. Everyone needs to understand what to look for so they can talk to a doctor about treatment.

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Numbness And Tingling

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces in the spine narrow, leading to pressure on the nerves traveling throughout the spine, including the nerves within the spinal cord and the nerve roots of the peripheral nervous system. One of the most common symptoms is numbness and tingling. The condition most commonly develops in the neck and lower back, but patients might experience numbness and tingling concentrated in other parts of the body as well. The tingling and numbness might become worse over time. Some patients don't notice the symptoms at first, or they find them so mild they don't cause concern. However, any kind of tingling and numbness should be evaluated by a doctor, as it indicates a nervous system issue. When spinal stenosis involves narrowing in the neck, patients might experience numbness and tingling in a leg, foot, arm, or hand. When it occurs in the lower back, patients are less likely to experience hand numbness, but may still experience numbness in their leg or foot.

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