Question 1

got x ray results. basically discs are wearing down leading into spinal stenosis? not really sure whats going on. im young and fit, what could cause this?

Accepted Answer

: You don't mention what your symptoms are. I'm not sure that wearing down of intervertebral discs leads to spinal stenosis. The discs would have to herniate and press on the spinal cord to do that. I recommend consulting a neurosurgeon to assess your symptoms and your MRI findings.and advise you.

Question 2

what is spinal stenosis

Accepted Answer

Spinal narrowing: Spinal stenosis is a  narrowing of the spinal canal (which contains the spinal cord and nerves) caused by enlargement of the surrounding ligaments and bones.  This enlargement creates pressure on the nerves and/or spinal cord and their blood supply resulting usually in back and/or leg pain, especially when the patient is walking upright.  The condition usually occurs in older people.

Question 3

what causes spinal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Several things: Spinal stenosis can be congenital but is also acquired with aging, or trauma, by either arthritis, herniated discs or even vertebral collapse as people age, which can result in vertebra slipping across each other which can cause stenosis too. It is important to see a neurosurgeon for evaluation, or a orthopedist who specializes in the spine, for full evaluation and treatment, surgery is an option.

Question 4

is spinal stenosis inherited?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Spinal stenosis can be caused by many things.  But as long as the canal is narrowed, by a variety of things, we call it stenosis.  Congenital stenosis means you were born with a narrow canal.  Other common causes of stenosis would be arthritis that causes bone and tissue to occupy the canal and make it narrow.  Other less common forms of stenosis would tumor and infection.

Question 5

spinal stenosis pain feels like what?

Accepted Answer

Pain or tingling: Often feels like an ache in the low back, buttocks, thighs and usually worse with standing or walking and much better with sitting or bending.  Many people also describe a feeling of weakness and tingling with prolonged standing or walking.

Question 6

what is spinal stenosis and how is treated?

Accepted Answer

See below: Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal that may occur in any of the regions of the spine. This narrowing causes a restriction to the spinal canal, resulting in a neurological deficit. Symptoms include pain, numbness, paraesthesia, and loss of motor control. 
Treatment is epidural steroid injections then surgery if that fails.

Question 7

can diet affect my spinal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

No: Aside from keeping weight well controlled, diet should not play a major role in spinal stenosis.

Question 8

can alcohol make spinal stenosis worse?

Accepted Answer

No: Though alcohol is probably not a major factor, it is a toxin to the nervous system and impedes healing.

Question 9

how should i treat back spinal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy: Physical therapy and pain medications (as needed) are appropriate first line. Spinal stenosis due to degenerative changes is relatively slowly progressive. If necessary, decompression laminectomy can be performed; but it is better to wait till it is truly necessary.

Question 10

can congenital spinal stenosis be fixed?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Congenital stenosis may not cause any symptoms, may respond it terms of symptom relief to epidural steroids and can only be structurally fixed by surgery, typically laminectomy.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What do they do for babies with spinal stenosis

A member asked:

Got x ray results. basically discs are wearing down leading into spinal stenosis? not really sure whats going on. im young and fit, what could cause this?

A member asked:

What is spinal stenosis

A member asked:

What causes spinal stenosis?

A member asked:

Is spinal stenosis inherited?

A member asked:

Spinal stenosis pain feels like what?

A member asked:

What is spinal stenosis and how is treated?

A member asked:

Can diet affect my spinal stenosis?

A member asked:

Can alcohol make spinal stenosis worse?

A member asked:

How should i treat back spinal stenosis?

A member asked:

Can congenital spinal stenosis be fixed?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?