Learn about how the narrowing of the bony openings in your spine due to stenosis can cause symptoms and signs in your arms and legs, and when these symptoms may indicate a medical emergency.

References

• 1.Melancia JL, Francisco AF, Antunes JL. Spinal stenosis. In: Handbook of Clinical Neurology. Elsevier; 2014:541-549. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-4086-3.00035-7
• 2.Munakomi S, Foris LA, Varacallo M. Spinal Stenosis And Neurogenic Claudication. Updated Dec. 6, 2019. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430872/
• 3.Liu K, Zhu W, Shi J, et al. Foot drop caused by lumbar degenerative disease: clinical features, prognostic factors of surgical outcome and clinical stage. PLoS One. 2013;8(11):e80375. Published 2013 Nov 5. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0080375
• 4.Bouche P. Compression and entrapment neuropathies. In: Handbook of Clinical Neurology. Elsevier; 2013:311-366. doi:10.1016/b978-0-444-52902-2.00019-9
• 5.Larson RD, Cantrell GS, Farrell JW, Lantis DJ, Pribble BA. Assessment, Consequence, and Clinical Implication of Asymmetry. In: Nutrition and Lifestyle in Neurological Autoimmune Diseases. Elsevier; 2017:127-134. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-805298-3.00013-x
• 6.Meyer F, Börm W, Thomé C. Degenerative cervical spinal stenosis: current strategies in diagnosis and treatment. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2008;105(20):366–372. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2696878/

Learn about the common causes of foot pain, including when it's caused by a problem in your lumbar spine, and pointers to help you understand the origin of your foot pain.

References

• 1.Alexander CE, Varacallo M. Lumbosacral Radiculopathy. [Updated 2019 Mar 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430837/
• 2.Wright R, Inbody SB. Radiculopathy and Degenerative Spine Disease. In: Neurology Secrets. Elsevier; 2010:121-130. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-05712-7.00007-6
• 3.Davis D, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2019 Feb 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/
• 4.Liu K, Zhu W, Shi J, et al. Foot drop caused by lumbar degenerative disease: clinical features, prognostic factors of surgical outcome and clinical stage. PLoS One. 2013;8(11):e80375. Published 2013 Nov 5. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0080375
• 5.Reife MD, Coulis CM. Peroneal neuropathy misdiagnosed as L5 radiculopathy: a case report. Chiropr Man Therap. 2013;21(1):12. Published 2013 Apr 22. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3662609/
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Sciatica refers to nerve pain originating from the sciatic nerve roots in your lower spine. It can be caused by an injury or by several different underlying orthopedic diagnoses. So, when it comes to treating your sciatica, it is important to tailor your treatment plan to the specific medical diagnosis causing your symptoms.

References

• 1.Slater J, Kolber MJ, Schellhase KC, et al. The Influence of Exercise on Perceived Pain and Disability in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2015;10(2):136–147. Published 2015 Feb 16. doi:10.1177/1559827615571510
• 2.Kim ER, Kang MH, Kim YG, Oh JS. Effects of a Home Exercise Program on the Self-report Disability Index and Gait Parameters in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. J Phys Ther Sci. 2014;26(2):305–307. doi:10.1589/jpts.26.305

A thoracic herniated disc can cause upper back pain, numbness, weakness, and radiating pain into the chest or abdomen.

References

• 1.Cramer GD. General characteristics of the spine. In: Cramer GC, Darby SA, Clinical Anatomy of the Spine, Spinal Cord, and Ans, 3rd Edition. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2014: 122.
• 2.Han S, Jang IT. Prevalence and distribution of incidental thoracic disc herniation, and thoracic hypertrophied ligamentum flavum in patients with back or leg pain: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Cross-Sectional Study. World Neurosurg. 2018 Dec;120:e517-e524. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.08.118. Epub 2018 Aug 24. PubMed PMID: 30149175.
• 3.Court C, Mansour E, Bouthors C. Thoracic disc herniation: surgical treatment. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2018; 104(1S):S31-S40. doi: 10.1016/j.otsr.2017.04.022. Epub 2017 Dec 7.

For many people, having a clear understanding of the anatomical structures of the spine and how they can cause pain will help you have a better discussion with your doctor.

References

• 1.Donally CJ, Butler AJ, Varacallo M. Lumbosacral Disc Injuries. [Updated 2019 Apr 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448072/.

Cervical stenosis with myelopathy can have painful, far-reaching effects on your body and health. Learn how cervical stenosis develops and how to spot the signs and symptoms.

References

• 1.Hochman M, Tuli S. Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Review. The Internet Journal of Neurology. 2004. 4(1). doi: http://ispub.com/IJN/4/1/12262

Many types of low back pain are rooted in the motion of the spine. Learn why certain types of motion cause pain in the spine to find a solution for your low back woes.

References

• 1.He A, Wang WZ, Qiao PF, Qiao GY, Cheng H, Feng PY. Quantitative Evaluation of Compressed L4-5 and S1 Nerve Roots of Lumbar Disc Herniation Patietns by Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Fiber Tractography. World Neurosurgery. 2018; 115, e45-e52. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2018.03.134

There are several conditions that mimic the shooting, searing pain of sciatica. Learn what conditions could be masquerading as sciatica and how your doctor might make a differential diagnosis.

References

• 1. Kumar, M. Epidemiology, pathophysiology and symptomatic treatment of sciatica: A review. Int. J. Pharm. Bio. Arch. 2011, 2(4):1050-61.

Leg weakness may cause sudden buckling, an unsteady gait, and possible falls. Here are a few possible conditions that may cause weakness in your legs.

References

• 1.Giuffre BA, Jeanmonod R. Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve. [Updated 2018 Dec 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482431/.
• 2.Davis D, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2019 Feb 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/
• 3.Raja A, Hanna A, Hoang S, et al. Spinal Stenosis. [Updated 2019 Jul 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441989/
• 4.Alam U, Riley DR, Jugdey RS, et al. Diabetic Neuropathy and Gait: A Review. Diabetes Ther. 2017;8(6):1253–1264. doi:10.1007/s13300-017-0295-y
• 5.Kim K-H, Kim DH. Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Pain. In: Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Spinal Techniques. Elsevier; 2010:1-28. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-2913-4.00001-x
• 6.Fairbank J, Mallen C. Cauda equina syndrome: implications for primary care. Br J Gen Pract. 2014;64(619):67–68. doi:10.3399/bjgp14X676988
• 7.Petr O, Glodny B, Brawanski K, et al. Immediate Versus Delayed Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation for Acute Motor Deficits. SPINE. 2019;44(7):454-463. doi:10.1097/brs.0000000000002295

Muscle spasms in your back may be a sign that your body is trying to tell you something. Learn how to listen to and treat these painful messages from your muscles.