What is Spinal Stenosis ?

Spinal stenosis-a common term that basically means a narrowing of a hole. Your spine has bones called vertebra that are stacked on top of each other. Between the bones, there is a disc which acts as a spacer to absorb pressure, connect the vertebra above to the one below and maintain the hole where the nerves come out. Anything that obstructs the hole where the nerve leaves the spine is called stenosis. If the hole is narrowed in the lumbar(low back) area, it's called lumbar spinal stenosis, if it is narrowed in the cervical (neck) area it's called cervical spinal stenosis. These are the two areas that typically display stenosis. Stenosis can be caused by any, or a combination of these next conditions. Degenerated discs-this occurs when the discs wear down and get thinner. This closes the hole where the nerve exits and can put pressure on it. A disc bulge is when the disc between the bones extends out, kind of like a jelly doughnut that when squeezed, starts to push the jelly out. The "jelly" can close off the hole where the nerve exits causing symptoms. A disc herniation would be like the jelly inside the doughnut is squeezed out and is no longer attached, it is free floating. The same happens when the inside of the spinal disc extrudes and is free from the disc. It can not only obstruct the hole causing stenosis, but there will be an inflammatory process that causes pain. Other objects can obstruct the hole where the nerve comes out including tumors and bone spurs, but disc degeneration, disc herniations and arthritis are the most common. People will experience symptoms in the arms, shoulders and hands if there is cervical spinal stenosis and in the buttocks, hips, legs and feet if there is lumbar spinal stenosis. These symptoms may manifest themselves as muscle weakness, numbness and tingling in the limbs, shooting pain or may complain of a fatigue in the affected areas. Symptoms may be intermittent or constant. Having spinal stenosis does not mean that you need surgery. Many people benefit from chiropractic care and have their conditions resolve. Sometimes an auto accident can provoke a dormant stenotic condition and bring out symptoms. That is why you need to get treated at the Auto Accident Pain Relief Center of Illinois. Here we can assess your condition after the accident and give you options. If you are experiencing neck pain, whiplash, low back pain, numbness and tingling in your arms or legs call us today at 800-862-5914.