What Is Congential Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing at the base of the spine that exerts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. The condition is considered congenital when you are born with the factors that contribute to stenosis.

Causes

• In some cases, congenital spinal stenosis stems from a curvature of the spine or simply a smaller spinal canal than what is considered normal. An inherited defect called achondroplasia, which causes the vertebrae of the spine to be deformed, can also be responsible for congenital spinal stenosis, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Types of Symptoms

• Symptoms of spinal stenosis include pain or cramping in your legs, pain that radiates through your back and hips, pain in your neck and shoulders and loss of balance, bladder or bowel function.

Diagnosis

• Doctors rely upon diagnostic imaging like spinal X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans and bone scans, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Treatment

• Medications used to treat congenital spinal stenosis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and indomethacin), analgesics like acetaminophen and supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. Doctors also utilize physical therapy, restricted activity, use of a back brace and spinal corticosteroid injections, as well as surgery to treat congenital spinal stenosis.

Risks

• In some cases, congenital spinal stenosis can compress your nerves to the point that you lose feeling in your hands, arms, feet and legs. The Mayo Clinic warns that this can cause poor circulation, which may slow the healing of wounds on your feet.