Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause pain, weakness, and numbness in the arms and legs. Spinal stenosis can be caused by various factors, including age, arthritis, and injury. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of the stenosis but may include surgery, physical therapy, and medications. If you are experiencing pain, weakness, or numbness in your arms or legs, it is vital to see a doctor with experience in diagnosing and treating spinal stenosis in Eugene. They can conduct tests to determine if you have spinal stenosis. In this article, we look at some of the common causes of spinal stenosis. Read more below.
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Wear and Tear
One of the most common causes of spinal stenosis is wear and tear on the spine. It can be caused by aging, arthritis, or injuries sustained over time. As we age, our bones and disks may thin, leading to a narrowing of the spinal canal. Arthritis is a condition in which the joints become inflamed, and this can also lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal. Injuries such as whiplash or a fall can also cause wear and tear on the spine, leading to spinal stenosis.
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Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can also cause spinal stenosis. For example, one of the most common causes is diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to develop spinal issues due to their situation, which reduces blood flow throughout the body, including the spine. Other medical conditions that can cause spinal stenosis include osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative disk disease.
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Bone Overgrowth
In some cases, a bone overgrowth can cause spinal stenosis. This occurs when the bones in the spine grow too large and press on the spinal cord and nerves. It is mostly the case in people with scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves to one side.
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Tumors
Tumors can also cause spinal stenosis. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous and can grow anywhere in the body. A tumor in the spine can cause the spinal canal to narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It mostly happens in the lower spine and can lead to pain and other symptoms in the legs and feet.
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Injuries
Injuries can also cause spinal stenosis. If the spinal cord is injured, it may lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal. It mostly happens in people who have suffered a spinal cord injury, such as a car accident or fall.
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Herniated Disks
Herniated disks can also cause spinal stenosis. It occurs when the disk between the vertebrae slips out and presses on the spinal cord or nerves. It is most commonly seen in people with degenerative disk disease, which causes the discs in the spine to wear down over time.
In summary, spinal stenosis is a condition that puts pressure on the nerves and spinal cord due to narrowing of the spinal canal. It can result from wear and tear on the spine or medical conditions. Other causes include injury, herniated disks, tumors, and bone overgrowth.