What is Spinal Stenosis?
Wikipedia defines Spinal Stenosis:
Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal that may occur in any of the regions of the spine. This narrowing causes a restriction to the spinal canal, resulting in a neurological deficit. Symptoms include pain, numbness, paraesthesia, and loss of motor control. The location of the stenosis determines which area of the body is affected.[1] With spinal stenosis, the spinal canal is narrowed at the vertebral canal, which is a foramen
between the vertebrae where the spinal cord (in the cervical or
thoracic spine) or nerve roots (in the lumbar spine) pass through.[2] There are several types of spinal stenosis: lumbar stenosis and cervical stenosis
being the most frequent. While lumbar spinal stenosis is more common,
cervical spinal stenosis is more dangerous because it involves
compression of the spinal cord.
The most common forms are cervical spinal stenosis, at the level of the neck, and lumbar spinal stenosis, at the level of the lower back. Thoracic spinal stenosis, at the level of the mid-back, is much less common.[1]
In lumbar stenosis, the spinal nerve roots in the lower back are compressed which can lead to symptoms of sciatica (tingling, weakness, or numbness that radiates from the low back and into the buttocks and legs).
Cervical spinal stenosis can be far more dangerous by compressing the
spinal cord. Cervical canal stenosis may lead to serious symptoms such
as major body weakness and paralysis. Such severe spinal stenosis
symptoms are virtually absent in lumbar stenosis, however, as the spinal cord is not present in the adult lumbar spine.[citation needed] Cervical spinal stenosis is a condition involving narrowing of the spinal canal at the level of the neck. It is frequently due to chronic degeneration,[3] but may also be congenital or traumatic. Treatment frequently is surgical.[3]
Many surgeons in the U.S. and Canada recommend a laminectomy or discectomy to patients diagnosed with spinal stenosis. A past patient here recently said, "laminectomy and discectomy surgery should be considered a crime!" Why would one say that?
Well, the problem with laminectomy and discectomy surgery is the removal of the part of a "bulge" in the disc may take pressure off a nerve that the bulge was impinging, however, that disc is now going to continue to degenerate and lose disc height. When that happens the canal the nerves leave the spine to go to body parts becomes impinged and thus the patient is many times in even worse condition!
Sadly insurance pays for such a procedure. Part of that keeping you ill and in the cycle process.
My Spine Solution offers a REAL LIFE-TIME SOLUTION to spinal stenosis. We offer procedures to replace disc height to normal levels and the use of Artificial Disc Replacement with the best technology on the market. Yes, insurance may or may not pay for the procedure, but it is a lasting solution and a future of pain free living again!
For a free consultation visit one of our web sites to learn more and get stop living in pain!
