Stenosis Diagnosis

Spinal Stenosis Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:55:12 -0800

What is spinal stenosis?

The term “stenosis” comes from Greek and means a “choking”. Spinal stenosis, however, has little in common with choking. There are two primary types of spinal stenosis:

Cervical Stenosis with Myelopathy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

Cervical stenosis pinches the spinal cord

As we age, the spine may develop degenerative changes in the joints that can create tightening of the spinal canal. Over time this process may lead to pinching the spinal cord and compromise of coordination of the extremities.

Symptoms of cervical stenosis with myelopathy

People with this condition may note one or more of the following symptoms:

Definitive Guide to Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

As we age, the spine changes, often leading to a degeneration of the vertebrae (bones), discs, muscles, and ligaments (connective tissues). These changes may lead to spinal stenosis. The term “stenosis” comes from the Greek word meaning “choking” and is often the result of degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis.

Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP)

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

SSEP’s are sometimes ordered to assess the speed of electrical conduction across the spinal cord. If the spinal cord is significantly pinched, the electrical signals will travel slower than usual.

SSEP’s may also be used to monitor spinal cord function during surgical procedures, although since the spinal cord ends before the lumbar spine, this is usually of limited value during lumbar spinal surgery and it is used more often in cervical (neck) or thoracic (chest) spine surgery.

Spinal Stenosis Symptoms and Diagnosis

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:55:12 -0800

Spinal stenosis symptoms

Generally speaking, the various types of spinal stenosis produce similar symptoms. Leg pain (sciatica) often with some low back pain, leg numbness and tingling, with limitations, in walking are together the most common symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Spinal Stenosis Symptoms and Diagnosis Video

spine-health — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:16:48 -0800

Spinal stenosis is a condition that typically occurs as a person gets older. Facet joints in the spine can enlarge and place pressure on the spinal nerve roots, causing back and leg pain during certain activities. This video provides an overview of spinal stenosis symptoms, diagnosis, and its effect on the body.