Dr Meher Thej AIIMS - Spinal Stenosis - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
                     
Dr Meher Thej AIIMS -  Spinal stenosis occurs when 
the spaces between the vertebrae narrow, putting 
pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. 
Depending on the location and how much narrowing 
happens over time, a spinal nerve or the spinal cord 
may become compressed, causing pain, tingling, 
numbness, and/or weakness.
According to Dr Meher Thej AIIMS, Some individuals 
are born with a narrow spinal canal. This is known as 
"congenital stenosis." However, most spinal 
narrowing is caused by age-related changes that 
occur over time. This is referred to as "acquired spinal 
stenosis."
Causes Of Spinal Stenosis
The following are some of the causes of spinal stenosis:
Bone spurs: Wear-and-tear damage from arthritis can cause extra 
bone to grow on the spine. They have the ability to push into the 
spinal canal. Paget's disease can also result in the formation of extra 
bone on the spine.
  Herniated disks: The soft cushions that act as shock 
absorbers between your spinal bones are known as disks. If 
some of the soft inner material of the disk leaks out, it can 
press on the spinal cord or nerves.
Thick ligaments: The strong cords that help hold your spine's 
bones together can stiffen and thicken over time. Thick 
ligaments can force their way into the spinal canal.
Tumors: According to Dr. Meher Tej AIIMS, rarely, tumors can 
form inside the spinal canal.
Spinal injuries: Spinal bones can break or move out of place as 
a result of car accidents and other trauma. Swelling of nearby 
tissue immediately following back surgery can also put 
pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Symptoms Of Spinal Stenosis
In the lower back:
Boorgula Meher Thej says lower back spinal stenosis can cause 
pain or cramping in one or both legs. This occurs when you 
stand for an extended period of time or when you walk. When 
you bend forward or sit, your symptoms improve. Some people 
also experience back pain.
In the neck:
 Numbness in hands or feet
  Hand, leg, foot, or arm tingling or weakness
  Walking and balance difficulties
  Neck pain
  Problems with the bowel or bladder
Treatment Of Spinal Stenosis
Treatment for spinal stenosis depends on how severe your symptoms 
are:
Mild to Moderate disease is managed conservatively with 
Medications and Exercises. 
Medications For Spinal Stenosis:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): If over-the-counter 
pain relievers are ineffective, prescription NSAIDs may be beneficial. 
Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, can 
be taken at night to help relieve chronic pain.
Anti-seizure drugs: Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise) and other anti-
seizure medications are used to treat pain caused by damaged 
nerves.
Opioids: Medications like oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone, and 
others) and hydrocodone (Hysingla ER) can become addictive.
Exercises for spinal stenosis: 
Dr Boorgula Meher Thej says exercise is very important in the 
treatment of this disease. Regular exercise to keep muscles strong 
and improve flexibility increases strength, reduces pain, and 
improves overall well-being.
Improve your flexibility: Stretching exercises can alleviate 
pain and make it easier to hold and move your neck and 
spine in a more healthy manner.
Strengthen your muscles: A series of exercises known as 
stabilization training can help build up and balance the 
muscles that support your neck.These are simple exercises 
that you can do at home without any special equipment, 
similar to stretching.
Boost your fitness: Aerobic exercises, which raise your 
heart and breathing rates, release endorphins, which are 
pain relievers. Bicycling and swimming are two examples of 
aerobic exercise.
When the disease is severe or when the following red flags 
are seen, surgery is indicated.  
When the disease is severe or when the following red 
flags are seen, surgery is indicated. 
Warning Signs/ Red flag signs
Profound weakness in the limbs
Sensory loss in the limbs
Bowel/ bladder dysfunction
Saddle distribution of sensory loss
The type of surgery is decided based on the imaging. A 
Neurosurgeon's opinion is required to decide the 
approach for surgery. 
About Dr Meher Thej AIIMS
Dr. Meher Tej AIIMS is a neurosurgeon. He trained 
at AIIMS, New Delhi. He has experience in Neuro 
Oncology, Skull-Based Vascular Neurosurgery, 
Pediatric Neurosurgery, Functional-Epileptic 
Surgery, Spine Surgery, and Neurotrauma. The 
mission of Dr Boorgula Meher Thej in life is to build 
a successful neurosurgical career encompassing all 
aspects of neurosurgery, serving people, and 
growing himself.