2. Spondylolisthesis – This degenerative condition describes the misalignment of a vertebra. Most commonly experienced in the lumbar spine, spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slides out of position and comes to rest on the vertebra directly below it. This condition is described in varying degrees of severity ranging from Grade 1 (0-25 percent slippage) to Grade 4 (75-100 percent slippage).

3. Facet disease – The vertebrae in the spine are interconnected by matching sets of cartilage-coated vertebral joints. These joints are encapsulated in lubricating fluid and operate similarly to a hinge, providing stability while allowing for mobility. Facet disease is a type of osteoarthritis that occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears away and bone-on-bone contact follows.

5. Muscle fatigue

6. Diminished reflexes or loss of range of motion

7. A feeling of numbness or tingling

8. Headaches

9. The sensation of pins-and-needles or intense heat

10. Pain that travels along the nerveDepending on the specific nerve affected, symptoms may also be transferred along the nerve and passed onto the muscles or muscle groups innervated by the nerve. Sciatica, for example, typically describes severe leg pain and is a result of the compression of the sciatic nerve in the lumbar region of the spine. Spinal stenosis in the neck may cause symptoms in the shoulders, arms, hands, fingers or throughout the upper body. Stenosis in the thoracic spine in the middle back can cause symptoms in the chest, organs, ribcage, and throughout the torso. Stenosis in the lumbar spine may lead to symptoms in the buttocks, legs, knees, thighs, feet, toes and throughout the lower body.<br />The Diagnostic Process<br />Because there are so many conditions that may lead to a spinal stenosis diagnosis, it is very important to visit a doctor when symptoms last more than several days. In order to correctly identify spinal stenosis, the first step is for a complete review of your medical history and a frank discussion about your symptoms, treatments you’ve attempted, and your lifestyle. It can be helpful to keep a detailed journal about your condition so that you’re able to provide the doctor with a comprehensive view of your pain. Even the smallest details can prove essential in the diagnostic process, so err on the side of providing more information than may seem necessary.<br />If the cause of the pain is not obvious, the doctor will likely ask a series of questions about your daily activities, your family’s medical history, and other pertinent questions to fully understand your condition. From there, you can expect the doctor to conduct a physical examination where he or she will test your range of motion and apply pressure to your back or neck in an attempt to identify the cause of the condition and locate the precise origin of the discomfort. You can also reasonably expect to be referred to a medical imagery center to receive an MRI, CT scan or X-ray in order to confirm the spinal stenosis diagnosis and identify the underlying cause of the problem.<br />Treatment<br />left1887220Once a spinal stenosis diagnosis is received, the next step is developing a treatment plan that gives the patient the best chance of overcoming their pain. In most cases, treatment first begins with a series of conservative, noninvasive treatments, many of which can be completed from the comforts of home. To find the best course of action, the doctor will consider a number of variables, including the patient’s overall health and age, the cause of the condition, the severity of the symptoms, and whether any style of treatment has shown results. While it varies patient to patient, it is often recommended that the patient take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, apply heat to improve circulation, participate in low-impact exercises, along with stretching techniques and short periods of rest.<br />Occasionally, conservative treatment is not sufficient and decompression surgery may be considered. While this is normally considered the last real option for patients experiencing debilitating pain, it can provide much-needed relief in some instances. Surgical options vary in invasiveness and style depending once again on the cause and severity of the spinal stenosis.<br />To receive a spinal stenosis diagnosis and learn more about the condition, its symptoms, causes and treatment options, speak with your doctor today.<br />