Spine Stenosis

Many people are diagnosed with some form of spinal stenosis. The pathophysiology of spinal stenosis has to do with cord dysfunction which is effected by an issue of mechanical compressions and disc degenerations.The stenosis of the spinal canal lends itself toward being the cause of the secondary problems that tend to form later in life.

The pathophysiology of spinal stenosis is not fully understood. If in fact, a person has congenital stenosis of the spinal canal then it is believed that this condition will eventually cause the breakdown of cartilage between the discs, usually in the lower back, as well as causing serious compressions throughout the spine. The resulting pain is excruciating and if severe enough, surgery may be warranted.

The pathophysiology of spinal stenosis is being studied further and new treatments are always being considered. If a person has degenerative discs does that also mean they have spinal stenosis? The answer to that would be no. However, having degenerative discs and compressions could eventually cause spinal stenosis. For these people the stenosis becomes a secondary issue that stems from the aforementioned back problems.

For those that have congenital stenosis of the spine, the pathophysiology of spinal stenosis is quite different. They were born with a narrowing of the spinal canal and the compressions and degenerations resulted from the stenosis. If your spinal canal is narrow, you back may develop problems like lower back disc issues and compressions because it is not as strong as a normal spinal canal.

The treatments options to consider do not change much with regards to the pathophysiology of spinal stenosis. In many cases the non-invasive treatments, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and epidural steroid injections, only work for a while. Many people feel as if they are recovered only to find that a few months or years later the pain and numbness returns. As I mentioned, the pathophysiology of spinal stenosis is not clearly understood.

How is it possible that the symptoms can go away for a while and then just return? It may be a combination of the pathophysiology of spinal stenosis and whether or not the person has been keeping up with their non-invasive treatments. Pain can return because people stop their exercise routines and medications. The surgical options are much more invasive but offer more permanent results.

The pathophysiology of spinal stenosis is always being studied for clues as to better ways to treat chronic back problems and how the protect those who are at greater risk for back injuries because of thier spinal stenosis.