Spinal stenosis is a condition characterised by narrowing spaces within the spine, which can place pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and limited mobility, especially as the condition progresses.
In the later stages, spinal stenosis can become significantly more challenging to manage, affecting daily activities and overall health.
Understanding the final stages of spinal stenosis is crucial for those affected, as early intervention can help prevent further complications.
Osteopathy offers effective treatment options to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life, making it an essential part of managing this condition as it advances.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
As explained earlier, spinal stenosis is characterised by the constriction of the spinal canal or the openings in the spine (Foramen), which can impact the nerves of the spine (nerve roots) and, at times, directly on the spinal cord.
This constriction may result in symptoms such as nerve pain, neck pain, leg pain, numbness, and weakness, which often affect daily activities and overall mobility.
Typically, spinal stenosis develops gradually as part of the natural ageing process. Wear and tear on the spine can lead to bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or bulging discs. Sometimes, a minor injury or repeatedly lifting heavy objects may worsen the condition.
It often impacts the lumbar spine, which can cause symptoms in the legs, but can also affect other areas of the spine, like the neck (cervical spine).
Recognising the signs and understanding the condition is essential for effective management and medical treatment.
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis typically develops over time due to a variety of factors, including:
Ageing
- Over a period of time, as people age, the risk of spinal stenosis rises. In individuals under 50, it is typically congenital, caused by a naturally narrow spinal canal. In those over 50, degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis result in the spinal canal being narrower.
Around 0.5% of people over 50 develop spinal stenosis, with the rate rising to 0.1% for those over 65. Age-related changes such as disc degeneration and bone spurs contribute to stenosis, though not all will experience symptoms.
For those experiencing mild stenosis, early intervention through regular exercise, guided by professionals, can help maintain mobility.
Arthritis
- Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are common contributors to spinal stenosis.
Osteoarthritis leads to cartilage breakdown, disc degeneration, and bone spurs, while RA, an autoimmune condition, causes joint inflammation that can narrow the spinal canal.
RA is a less common cause but can still lead to significant spinal issues. Early medical care, including a thorough physical exam, is essential for managing arthritis-related stenosis.
Congenital factors
- Congenital spinal stenosis (CSS) is when individuals are born with a narrow spinal canal, typically presenting in the 30s or 40s.
CSS can affect the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions differently. While relatively rare, less than 1% of the population is affected. Non-invasive treatments, like osteopathy, may offer relief, although surgery could be required in severe cases.
Injuries
- Spinal injuries, including fractures or whiplash, can contribute to spinal stenosis by damaging vertebrae and displacing bone, compressing the spinal cord. In the UK, 10-15% of spinal stenosis cases are related to traumatic injuries.
Even a minor injury in individuals with existing stenosis can lead to neurological complications, especially with a smaller spinal canal.
Tailored rehabilitation and precautions are critical to preventing further damage for those with sedentary lifestyles, such as those with a desk job or those in contact sports.
Tumours
- Tumours, although rare, can develop within the spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord and nerves. These account for fewer than 5% of spinal stenosis cases in the UK.
When tumours cause severe compression, a surgical procedure or a combination of decompression techniques may be necessary to restore bladder function and relieve pressure on the nerves.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
The severity and type of symptoms depend on the location and extent of the stenosis, which worsens over time.
- Pain
Depending on whether the stenosis is cervical or lumbar, a common symptom is discomfort, which can appear in the neck or lumbar spine. This pain may be sharp or dull and can worsen with standing, walking, or activity. Pain can also radiate to the arm (for cervical stenosis) or leg (for lumbar stenosis). Many individuals use pain medication to manage discomfort.
- Numbness and Tingling
Nerve pressure can lead to numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation, often affecting the arms, hands, or legs. This is more common in cervical stenosis (affecting the neck) or symptoms of lumbar stenosis (affecting the lumbar spine).
- Weakness
As the condition progresses, muscle weakness may develop, especially in the legs. This weakness may make it difficult to walk, stand for long periods, or balance.
- Walking Problems
People with lumbar spinal stenosis may experience pain and weakness that worsens with walking and improves when sitting or leaning forward. This is sometimes referred to as “neurogenic claudication.”
- Loss of Coordination
In severe cases, stenosis can lead to coordination problems or difficulty with fine motor skills, particularly when the cervical spine is involved.
- Bladder or Bowel Dysfunction
Cauda equina syndrome, which is rare but requires an immediate visit to A&E for medical treatment. This is a condition in which there is severe spinal cord compression that results in loss of bladder or bowel control, sexual arousal and lack/loss of sensation in the groin / bottom area (think of the area in contact with a saddle if horse riding).
Symptom Variation
The severity of symptoms often depends on the degree of compression and changes in bone structure, and not all individuals with spinal stenosis will experience all of these symptoms.
Many patients, particularly in the early stages of the illness, may have stenosis without any obvious symptoms.
How Does Spinal Stenosis Affect the Body?
In advanced stages, the narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the spinal nerves, causing pain, weakness, and diminished sensation. Over time, this can make routine activities like sitting, walking, or bending increasingly challenging. In severe instances, untreated spinal stenosis may result in permanent nerve damage, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Can Spinal Stenosis Cause Neuropathy?
Yes, spinal stenosis can lead to neuropathy. As the condition progresses, it can pressure the nerves that exit the spine, leading to symptoms such as burning sensations, weakness, or sharp pain, often referred to as “radiculopathy.” Neuropathy caused by spinal stenosis can affect both motor skills (movement) and sensory functions (feeling), making it a serious concern in the final stages of the condition.
How Long Does Spinal Stenosis Last?
Spinal stenosis is a chronic condition, and while it cannot be fully reversed, its progression can be managed.
The duration of symptoms varies depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. Some symptoms may remain mild for years, while others may rapidly worsen. The final stages of spinal stenosis typically occur over a long period and significantly impact mobility and nerve function.
How Serious is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis, especially in its final stages, can be a severe condition that leads to permanent disability if not properly managed. The compression of spinal nerves can cause irreversible damage, leading to chronic pain, loss of mobility, and, in extreme cases, loss of function in the lower body. Early intervention and ongoing management are vital in preventing further deterioration.
Living with Spinal Stenosis
Living with spinal stenosis in its later stages requires adjustments in daily life, including:
- Pain management: Exploring treatments like medicines, physiotherapy, or osteopathy to manage pain.
- Exercise and stretching: Maintaining mobility through gentle exercises can help reduce stiffness and improve function.
- Posture correction: Ensuring proper posture while sitting and standing can alleviate unnecessary strain on the spine.
- Assistive devices: For individuals with severe stenosis, tools such as walking aids, or back supports can provide additional support.
How Osteopaths Can Help with Spinal Stenosis
Osteopathy provides a holistic approach to managing spinal stenosis, offering several benefits to those suffering from this condition. Osteopaths specialise in the musculoskeletal system and use hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve functionality. Here’s how they can help:
- Manual therapy: Osteopaths use spinal manipulation, soft tissue massage, and stretching techniques to relieve pressure on the spine and improve mobility.
- Posture and alignment: They assess your posture and spinal alignment, addressing any imbalances that could worsen symptoms.
- Personalised exercise plans: Osteopaths can design exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, helping to stabilise the spine and support nerve health.
- Holistic care: Osteopaths consider the whole body, not just the affected area, ensuring that all aspects of your health are considered when creating a treatment plan.
Osteopathy can help alleviate symptoms and address underlying causes, improving overall quality of life.
Osteopath in Croydon
If you live in Croydon and are considering osteopathy, you should visit an osteopath in Croydon. They work on the source of your pain to boost your overall health. For a specific injury, an osteopath can provide a treatment plan customised to your needs, focusing on long-term pain management and improving your physical function.
Managing Spinal Stenosis and Its Final Stages
Spinal stenosis can greatly affect your quality of life, especially as it progresses. In the later stages, the pain from spinal stenosis can lead to intense discomfort, mobility challenges, and nerve compression, resulting in lasting difficulties with daily activities.
However, early detection and ongoing management are crucial to preventing further deterioration and maintaining functionality. Pain relief strategies, including medicines and regulated manual therapy, like Osteopathy or Physiotherapy, can help reduce discomfort and improve mobility.
Osteopathy offers a holistic approach that can alleviate symptoms and improve mobility through spinal manipulation, posture correction, and personalised exercise plans. By focusing on the whole body, osteopathy can help relieve pain, enhance flexibility, and improve the overall well-being of individuals with spinal stenosis.
Whether you are living with early-stage spinal stenosis or managing its final stages, a tailored treatment plan that includes osteopathy can play an essential role in maintaining a high quality of life. With proper care and attention, you can continue to move forward with greater comfort and less pain.