Spinal Stenosis

	Spinal Stenosis
	Symptoms Symptoms include: Numbness, weakness, cramping, or pain in the legs and thighs Radiating pain down the leg Abnormal bowel and/or bladder function Decreased sensation in the feet causing difficulty placing the feet when walking Loss of sexual function Partial or complete paralysis of legs Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include: X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take pictures of structures inside the body; in this case, to check for abnormalities in the bones of the back including osteoarthritis, bone spurs, and obvious narrowing of the spinal canal CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the bony architecture of the back, which helps to evaluate the spinal canal MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of soft tissue, such as the spinal cord and the spinal nerves inside the back Treatment Treatments include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) —to relieve pain and inflammation Analgesics —to relieve pain Corticosteroid injections —to reduce pain and inflammation Special exercises can help stabilize the spinal cord. Exercise can increase muscle endurance and mobility of the spine. This can relieve some pain.

Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms
Symptoms include:

Numbness, weakness, cramping, or pain in the legs and thighs
Radiating pain down the leg
Abnormal bowel and/or bladder function
Decreased sensation in the feet causing difficulty placing the feet when walking
Loss of sexual function
Partial or complete paralysis of legs

Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may include:

X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take pictures of structures inside the body; in this case, to check for abnormalities in the bones of the back including osteoarthritis, bone spurs, and obvious narrowing of the spinal canal
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the bony architecture of the back, which helps to evaluate the spinal canal
MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of soft tissue, such as the spinal cord and the spinal nerves inside the back

Treatment
Treatments include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) —to relieve pain and inflammation
Analgesics —to relieve pain
Corticosteroid injections —to reduce pain and inflammation

Special exercises can help stabilize the spinal cord. Exercise can increase muscle endurance and mobility of the spine. This can relieve some pain.