Spinal Stenosis Symptoms & Muscle Pain

The symptoms of spinal stenosis develop slowly over time and may come and go. Certain activities and positions may cause an increase of spinal stenosis symptoms, as well as muscle pain.

Identification

• During the aging process, the spine may degenerate. This may lead to spinal stenosis, which means the nerves in the spine are compressed. This can cause pain in the legs, lower back, neck, and arms. Approximately 400,000 Americans suffer from back pain as a result of spinal stenosis.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of spinal stenosis may develop slowly over the course of many years. The average patient develops this condition after the age of 50. The most common symptoms are leg pain (sciatica), leg pain while walking, and tingling or weakness in the lower back that radiates down into the buttocks and legs. Cervical stenosis can cause pain and weakness in the neck and radiate into the arms.

Diagnosis

• Cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis is most often diagnosed with an MRI or a CT scan with myleogram (using x-ray dye). In addition to these tests, a physical examination will reveal any muscle deficits or weakness that is present.

Treatment

• Spinal stenosis can usually be managed without surgical intervention. The three most common forms of non-surgical treatment are exercise, epidural injections, and modification of activities and activity levels. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with spinal stenosis.

Considerations

• When a patient can no longer walk or take care of himself, the doctor may recommend surgery for spinal stenosis. These are usually elderly patients, and the surgery is performed to help increase the patient's activity tolerance. This will enable the patient to perform the normal activities of daily living with less pain.