Spinal stenosis is the condition where one or more spaces between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine narrow, causing either the spinal cord or nerves that branch from the spinal cord to become compressed. Usually, spinal stenosis occurs in the lumbar region of the spine (lower back) or cervical (neck) region of the spine but it can also occur in the thoracic region (middle back).
Symptoms
Depending on the affected area of the spine, symptoms can include (1) pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs, buttocks, calves, and pelvic region if the condition occurs in the lumbar region or (2) pain in the neck region or tingling, weakness or pain the shoulder and arms if the nerve compression occurs in the cervical or neck region.
It is common for those with spinal stenosis to not be able to sit or stand upright for extended periods of time and may feel better by bending or leaning forward to relieve some of the pressure on the compressed nerves. Severe symptoms can include difficulty walking and challenges with balance may be as well as an inability to control his or her bowel movements, or difficulty urinating.
Causes
Spinal stenosis usually affects the elderly where the vertebrae become enlarged and the space between the bones where nerves are located is decreased. However, other causes include back injury such as a slipped or herniated disk, tumors, birth defects, and abnormal destruction and re-growth of bone.
Diagnosis
To diagnose spinal stenosis, a physician will take a medical history and perform a physical examination to assess where the pain is located and any limitations in movement. Then, X-Rays will be taken and possibly an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), a CT Scan (computerized tomography), bone scans and tests using injections of contrast dyes called Myelograms.
Treatment
Typically, non-surgical treatment only relieves the symptoms. This includes pain medication, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), physical therapy, corticosteroid injections to relieve swelling and inflammation and rest.
Surgical treatment treats the underlying cause. These typically include laminotomy or laminectomy, discectomy or fusion where a surgeon widens the spinal canal to provide more room for the spinal cord or trims, cuts, or fuses bone or disk material to provide more space for the nerve and relieve compression.
Were you injured at work?
Spinal stenosis can be work related. If you slip and fall at work and suffer a direct trauma to your neck or back, it could lead to nerve compression in the back or it could lead to a herniated disk that can lead to spinal stenosis. Also, heavy lifting and repetitive bending at work can aggravate an already existing back condition like spinal stenosis and make surgery necessary.
Attorney's Fees
The majority of attorneys who handle these types of cases do so on a contingency basis. This means that you do not have to put out any money up front or cover any costs or expenses. If you recover anything, your attorney is paid from that recovery amount. If you get nothing, your attorney gets nothing.
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