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Doctor insights on:
Could Spinal Stenosis Affect The Brain
1
Could spinal stenosis affect the brain?

Not typically: Spinal stenosis is a narrowing or pinching if the nerve canal, it can usually affect things spine related, but not really brain related. ...Read more
Spinal Stenosis (Definition)
A medical condition in which the openings where the nerves leave the spine are narrowed. As a result of the narrowed openings, nerves can get pinched off, leading to symptoms such as pain, ...Read more
2
Could spinal stenosis get so bad you can't bend without extreme pain?

No: Spinal stenosis actully improve with bending forward if the pain is on bending is suggests other etiologies for your pain possibly muscular. ...Read more
3
Could spinal stenosis cause sexual dysfunction?

Possibly: If severe enough to cause compression of the lumbar nerve roots (specifically l2, 3, 4) this could cause difficulty with normal arousal reflexes, including erection. ...Read more
4
Could spinal stenosis cause short term memory loss?

No: Memory loss may be indicative of a brain disorder. Spinal stenosis will not cause short term memory loss. ...Read more
5
Doesn't spinal stenosis mean that it's bone spurs that pinch the nerves?

Pinched nerves: Depending on how severe the nerves are compressed, spinal stenosis just means narrowing of the spinal canal from any- and all causes. Some people have terrible symptoms when standing and walking due to bone spurs; other patients can tolerate it just fine; despite bigger spurs... A good ortho spine doc can look at the scans for you and determine the best course of action. ...Read more
6
Is there anything on the horizon surgically for people with multiple herniated discs/spinal stenosis? Living in pain, don't take pain meds, help!

Proven techniques: For refractory spinal stenosis with correlating sciatic, surgical laminectomy has been a highly effective treatment for nearly 100 years. For low back pain without sciatica and without gross spinal instability, surgery is not an effective treatment. Objective medical research has not shown artificial disk replacement to be effective. Thus many insurances will not cover it. ...Read more
7
Can you help please? I have spinal stenosis. Dystonia and Fibromyalgia. I can't hardly walk but it's being suggested by a respite care home I walk.

Which is causing thi: Which of these diagnoses are responsible for your inability to walk. Your medical team will need to help you decide and then the treatment can be directed. Lumbar stenosis can be treated with epidural steroid injection and physical therapte y and the others with this with physical therapy.We don'y know your age andam uncertain what a repite care home is ...Read more
8
Could spinal stenosis be mistaken for fibromyalgia?

Spinal Stenosis: Depending on where the spinal stenosis was would determine if it could be confused with fibromyalgia. If it were lumbar, the answer would be "no" due to the pain being only in the lower body. If it were cervical, the answer could be "maybe". The work up for fibromyalgia would discover multiple underlying other disorders contributing to the disease. Have a knowledgeable specialist evaluate. ...Read more
9
Could a cervical spinal stenosis be caused by a fall?

No:
Degenerative cervical spinal stenosis takes years to develop, usually not from an event such as a fall.
That being said, a person with pre-existing spinal stenosis of cervical spine can sustain central cord syndrome/contusion from the fall, become very symptomatic.
...Read more
10
Could it happen such that a cervical spinal stenosis be caused by a fall?

Cervical stenosis:
...Hmm, only if it caused a severe sudden disc herniation or perhaps a fracture, otherwise stenosis is a process of gradual degeneration and not an acute disease.
What can happen is that stenosis symptoms suddenly worsen due to alittle instability that occurred during the fall, and tight nerves were suddenly squeezed some more, and that gave you the symptoms... Good luck!
...Read more
11
I have spinal stenosis and am a bit overweight, can you tell me some easy excersises I can do that won't kill my back.

See below: Probably the best would be pool aerobics; the water supports your weight & there's minimal impact on ankles, knees, hips, back. Provides excellent work-out so lose lbs (as long as u eat sensibly too) & is fun & sociable. Advise instructor of your back problem so s/he can advise u of any movements to avoid. Have fun. ...Read more
12
Tonight I got really cold & my muscles felt heavy and locked up, which caused me to fall. Could this be tied w/ my back issues like my spinal stenosis?

Muscles locked: It could be due to spinal stenosis. It also could be due to electrolyte abnormalities, other neurological abnormalities, dehydration, simple fainting or being clumsy. It certainly warrants a trip to the doctor for an evaluation and blood work at the least. ...Read more
13
I've had many tests down. Burning left upper back. No one knows what happening, going another test thoracic spinal stenosis.. What could it be?

Hard to say: Certainly hard to say without benefit of your records. A thoracic radiculopathy can cause upper back burning, as can a peri scapular problem such as a sub scapular bursitis, or something deeper inside such as a lung, stomach, or pancreas problem for the left side. A real detailed exam and appropriate studies can usually determine the cause. ...Read more
14
Could a fall on a steel beam cause or start the process for spinal stenosis. I fell back onto a leg of a car lift and hit my whole back and head.
Fall: This typically does not cause stenosis unless its a herniated disc that is causing the stenosis. ...Read more
15
Who treats spinal stenosis?
Pain physicians also: In addition to dr. Frankel's answer, also consider talking to an interventional pain/spine physician. They have other minimally invasive options to treat spinal stenosis, such as the mild procedure. ...Read more
16
What can help spinal stenosis?
Depends:
Surgery is typically a definitive treatment for the symptomatology, although, non-surgical management should be initiated first.
Surgical Treatment for spinal stenosis usually consists of decompressive laminectomy (unroofing of the spinal canal) with or without fusion.
...Read more
17
Does lsi treat spinal stenosis?
Not really: I assume by lsi, you are referring to lumbar spinal injections, also known as epidural steroid injections (esis). These can help temporarily treat some of the pain associated with spinal stenosis but are not a definitive treatment. Check out http://www. Mildprocedure. Com for some information on a new minimally invasive procedure for spinal stenosis. ...Read more
18
What does spinal stenosis affect?

Leads to pressure: On the the spinal cord (for cervical or thoracic spinal stenosis), and lead to pressure on nerves (in lumbar spinal stenosis). With decrease space where the nerves and spinal cord lives, they can start getting pressure, which leads to some variety of symptoms, depending on if the stenosis is localized in the cervical or lumbar spine, and how significant the stenosis is. See your spinal specialist. ...Read more
19
Where does spinal stenosis occur?
All areas of spine: Spinal stenosis refers to a condition in which the bony canal protecting the spinal nerves becomes too small and starts pinching the nerves. It most commonly occurs in the neck and back causing either neck/back pain or arm/leg pain. ...Read more
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How do you diagnose spinal stenosis?
Evaluation: First, a clinical exam with a history taken to see if symptoms are consistent with spinal stenosis then most likely a MRI or ct would be indicated next to confirm diagnosis. ...Read more
22
What can be done for spinal stenosis?

Multiple options: First, it can be diagnosed in up to 20% of people over 60. Sometimes this is picked up on a study because it is common & may not be the source of your symptoms. If it is your correct diagnosis, exercise sometimes initiated with physical therapy, over the counter medication or perscription ones &/or injections like epidural steroids may help. Most don't get worse, only about 15% do. Surgery last. ...Read more
23
Will a rhizatomy help spinal stenosis?
No: Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal that contains the spinal cord or nerve roots. Rhizotomy may address pain from degenerative facet joints of the spine. It does not take the pressure off the nerves or spinal cord present in spinal stenosis. ...Read more
24
What procedures to use for spinal stenosis?

Surgery: Spinal stenosis or compression of the nerves can be alleviated with surgical decompressive laminectomy (unroofing of the spinal canal) with or without fusion -but, the symptoms sometimes partially remain present. Pain, weakness and or numbness usually does get better though, at least partially. ...Read more
25
Will my spinal stenosis continue to worsen?
Likely: Spinal stenosis is a structural problem which progresses slowly and steadily over the years due to wear and tear and arthritic changes. Surgical approaches are the only long-term answers to alter the narrowing, but you can cope with a variety of therapies, exercises and even occasional medicines. Surgery is usually reserved for folks who are becoming progressively disabled due to the stenosis. ...Read more
26
How many stages of spinal stenosis are there.
Gradual: It is really typically more of a gradual, progressive proceed from degenerative changes in the spine rather than a condition that has real discreet stages. ...Read more
27
How to know what is asymmetric spinal stenosis?
Narrowing of canal: Narrowing of spinal canal worse on one side. ...Read more
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What are the best ways to treat spinal stenosis?

Common problem: Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common problem especially for those older than 50. It can be managed conservatively in many patients for years. If surgery becomes necessary, it can be planned on an elective basis. Check out spine-health. Com. ...Read more
29
Can children have spinal stenosis or just adults?

Yes: Both children and adults can suffer from spinal stenosis. In children, spinal stenosis is usually as a result of a congenital problem. In adults, the narrowing of the spinal canal often results from arthritis or instability of the spinal column. ...Read more
30
What are the common complications of spinal stenosis?
Weakness: Spinal stenosis complications depend on the region of the stenosis. Weakness, numbness. Tingling, paralysis, incontinence of bowel and bladder are all known complications. Talk with your doctor about specific complications based on the location of your stenosis. ...Read more
31
I have spinal stenosis; can this be inherited by my kids?

Unlikely: Unlikely, but there are syndromes that are associated with smaller than average spinal canals that have a genetic basis. ...Read more
32
What is the definition or description of: Spinal stenosis?
Reduced spinal canal:
Reduction in the spinal canal whether in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar. Usually causing neurogenic claudicatory symptoms like pain going down the legs or arms.
If these are going on, you definitely need to see a specialist
...Read more
33
How are spinal stenosis and stenosis of the foramen different?
Holes in vertebrae: Usually spinal stenosis is referring to narrowing of the large canal in the vertebrae that the spinal cord travels through, while foraminal stenosis refers to a narrowing of one of the smaller canals between the vertebrae through which nerves leave from the spinal cord and go to your limbs or trunk. ...Read more
34
How should I treat back spinal stenosis?
Decompression: Spinal stenosis only matters if it is severe enough to compress the spinal cord or nerve roots. If there is no spinal cord or nerve root compression, then the stenosis is irrelevant. There are open and minimally invasive ways to decompress the spinal canal. Be sure to go to someone like me who is trained and experienced in every spinal procedure for stenosis, not just a subset of them. ...Read more
35
I have spinal stenosis and ddd pain. Help!?

Depends: Depends on how severe the stenosis is. If moderate to severe, and you have failed conservative treatments such as pain management and physical therapy, you may want to discuss your options with a spine surgeon. ...Read more
36
What are the symptoms of back spinal stenosis?
Many: Bachache, root pain baladder and bowl symptoms and sensory symptoms. Typically symptom are worsened after physical activity. ...Read more
37
Is surgery recommended for severe spinal stenosis?

Last Resort:
Yes, surgery is recommended after you fail conservative non-surgical treatments -- including nsaids, pt, epidural injections. If you continue to have persisting symptoms, then surgery could offer some great symptomatic relief of your extremity symptoms. Consult a spine surgeon.
Also surgery if you start experiencing progressive neurological deficit, or changes in your bowel or bladder function.
...Read more
38
Is foraminal stenosis the same thing as spinal stenosis?
Sort of...: Spinal stenosis means there is decreased space available for the spinal sac & spinal nerves. This can be due to pressure from bulging discs, arthritic joints, thickening of the spinal ligaments, tumors, congential problems, etc. Foraminal stenosis is decreased space available for one of the individual nerves around the area that it exits off the main spinal canal (known as the neural foramen). ...Read more
39
My brother has developed back spinal stenosis. What is it exactly?
Too small a canal: It is when the canal of the spine becomes too narrow for the contents-- compressing the neural/nerve tissue to a degree causing symptoms of pain/ numbness/tingling/weakness with standing/walking better sitting or bending over. This is due usually to degenerative changes occuring over time and can be related to the size canal he was born with- smoking can accelerate these degenerative changes. ...Read more
40
Hi doctors, was just wondering what is asymmetric spinal stenosis?
Unilateral symptoms: Usually means there is different degree of stenosis between the left and right. ...Read more
Stricture (Definition)
A stricture is an anatomic narrowing of any structure in the body with a lumen. Depending on the organ, the underlying causes can be traumatic, ...Read more
Stenosis (Definition)
Constriction or narrowing of something - duct, artery, passage way such as the outlet of the stomach into the small ...Read more
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