Brain and Spine Surgery



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Overview

 


What Is Spinal Stenosis ?

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which there is narrowing of the spinal cord causing nerve pinching which leads to persistent pain in the buttocks, limping, lack of feeling in the lower extremities, and decreased physical activity. As the age increases, these conditions can develop due to the drying out and shrinking of the disc spaces between the bones (80% of the disc is made up of water).



Anatomy Of Spinal Stenosis


The spine consists of a series of bone blocks (vertebral bodies) which are separated from one another by discs of soft tissue. Within the structure of the spine sits a tunnel called the spinal canal. This tunnel contains the neurological structures including the spinal cord and nerve roots. Although there is some free space between the neurological structures and the edges of the spinal canal, this space can be reduced by many different conditions including injury to the spine.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Spinal Stenosis Surgery India, Cost Spinal Stenosis Surgery Mumbai India, Spinal Stenosis Surgery, Spinal Stenosis Treatment, Spinal Stenosis Surgery Hospitals, Spinal Stenosis Treatment Hospitals, Spinal Stenosis Surgery Center, Spinal Stenosis Treatment Center, Spinal Stenosis Surgery Clinic, Cervical Spinal Stenosis Surgery The canal is surrounded by bone and ligaments and therefore can not expand if the spinal cord or nerves require more room. Therefore, if anything begins to narrow the spinal canal, there is risk for irritation or injury of the spinal cord or nerves. Conditions which can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal include infection, tumors, trauma, herniated disc, arthritis and degeneration.




Causes Of Spinal Stenosis


The cause of Spinal Stenosis is often linked to aging, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or inherited conditions. Changes that occur in the spine as people age are the most common cause of this condition.

However, the cause of spinal Stenosis can also be linked to tumors of the spine, injuries, Paget's disease, too much fluoride in the body, and calcium deposits on the ligaments that run along the spine


Symptoms Of Spinal Stenosis


People can have significant stenosis that they are unaware of until tests are done. It is most common in women over the age of 50—men are less prone to this condition.

The following are possible evidence of spinal stenosis : -

Pain or numbness in the back, legs, and/or buttocks
Cramping in the legs
Weakness in the legs
Bowel and/or bladder problems in some cases
Prolonged standing or walking makes the pain worse
Symptoms may come and go, and may vary in severity when present
Bending forward or sitting increases the room in the spinal canal and may reduce the pain or give complete relief from pain

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Diagnosis Of Spinal Stenosis


Finding the cause of your neck problem begins with a complete history and physical examination. After the history and physical exam, your doctor will have a good idea of the cause of your pain. To make sure of the exact cause of your neck pain, your doctor can use several diagnostic tests. These tests are used to find the cause of your pain, not make your pain better. Regular X-rays, taken in the doctor's office, are usually a first step in looking into any neck problem and will help determine if more tests are needed.

Once most of the information is gathered, your doctor will give you a thorough physical exam. During the exam, your doctor will look at your neck to find out how well your neck is functioning.
Tests that examine the nerves that leave the spine are also important.

This Includes :


  1. How well you can bend your neck and roll your head in all directions
  2. How well you can twist your neck
  3. If there is tenderness around the neck
  4. If there are muscle spasms around the neck and shoulders
  5. Testing for numbness in the arms and hands
  6. Testing the reflexes
  7. Testing the strength of the muscles in the arms, hands, and legs
  8. Testing for signs of nerve irritation



Treatment Of Spinal Stenosis


Non Surgical Treatment of Spinal Stenosis

Preventing Falls. Falling is a risk for patients with spinal stenosis. They should avoid alcohol and sedatives. Leg strengthening exercises (walking, cycling) may be helpful, with brief resting if pain occurs. The use of common pain relievers, such as NSAIDs, physical therapy, and steroid or other spinal injections may be helpful for some patients.
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Surgical Treatment of Spinal Stenosis

Surgery. If pain is persistent, patients may require surgery, most often a procedure called decompressive laminectomy. Some patients may require spinal fusion as well. Studies suggest that surgery reduces back pain in many patients, at least for a few years. By four years after surgery, however, 30% of patients have severe pain again and 10% have had another operation.

It should be noted that surgery does not always improve outcome and in some cases can even make it worse. Surgery can be an extremely effective approach, however, for certain patients with severe back pain that does not respond to conservative measures.





















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