What does severe central stenosis mean?
Central stenosis occurs when the central spinal canal is constricted with enlarged ligament and bony overgrowth, causing compression of the spinal cord and cauda equina. Stenosis can occur along any area of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar), but is most common in the lumbar area.
What is the prognosis for severe spinal stenosis?
In most cases the prognosis for spinal stenosis is very good. Many people can obtain good relief of their symptoms with nonsurgical treatment. In some case, as the stenosis becomes more severe, the nonsurgical treatment become less effective. For those patients, surgery is a good option to consider.
Is severe central canal stenosis a disability?
If your spinal stenosis is so severe that you are unable to perform the normal duties of your job and you cannot work anymore, you could qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Does severe spinal stenosis require surgery?
Spinal Decompression and Spinal Fusion: Will You Need Surgery for Spinal Stenosis? Most patients with cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis respond well to non-surgical treatments (such as medication), so you may not need spine surgery. However, there are situations when you may want to go ahead with spine surgery.
Does spinal stenosis lead to death?
It occurs from spinal stenosis that causes pressure on the spinal cord. If untreated, this can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death.
Can you live with severe spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis can’t be cured but responds to treatment “The symptoms of spinal stenosis typically respond to conservative treatments, including physical therapy and injections.” Dr. Hennenhoefer says you can live a normal life with a spinal stenosis diagnosis and can work on improving your mobility and comfort.
What is the final outcome of spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis can result in significant morbidity. Severe disability and death may result from the association of cervical stenosis with even minor trauma resulting in the central cord syndrome. Both upper (cervical) and lower (lumbar) spinal stenosis may result in motor weakness and chronic pain.
What is treatment for severe stenosis?
While conventional treatments for stenosis include taking medications to lower inflammation or pain — and sometimes in severe cases spinal surgery — natural treatments including exercise, stretching, physical therapy and warming/icing the painful area can also be highly effective.
What are the treatments for severe spinal stenosis?
Severe spinal stenosis, a condition in which an area of the spine narrows and chokes the spinal cord or the nerves, is typically treated with exercise, medication, and surgery. Injections of steroids may also be used prior to surgery to help reduce inflammation and pain.
What are the symptoms of severe spinal stenosis?
Symptoms of spinal stenosis caused by compression of the nerves include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the path of the nerve being compressed. Symptoms of spinal stenosis that develops in the neck include myelopathy, numbness, tingling, weakness, or cramping in the arms and hands.
Will spinal stenosis get worse?
Symptoms of spinal stenosis often start slowly and get worse over time. Pain in the legs may become so severe that walking even short distances is unbearable. Frequently, sufferers must sit or lean forward over a grocery cart, countertop or walker to temporarily ease pain.