Spinal Stenosis in Children

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the central spinal canal. It is relatively rare in children, although it occasionally appears in adolescents. Most commonly this condition is found among older individuals, particularly in later years as degenerative spinal disease becomes a common ailment. Children and adolescents with this condition are often diagnosed through the use of MRI or myelogram studies. Often this condition is missed in children because it is relatively rare at this age.

• Spine

Causes

• According to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital, the primary cause of spinal stenosis in children is hardening of the discs that act as shock absorbers between the vertebra along the spine. Generally, this occurs as a person ages, but in children,it may be due to the early development of arthritis. Stenosis appears when the narrowing of the spinal canal reaches approximately 30 percent.

Who Gets It

• Generally, spinal stenosis is considered a condition that occurs in elderly or older individuals. It is rare in children, but occasionally appears in adolescents. Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital suggests that maintaining a healthy weight and good levels of physical activity can help avoid spinal stenosis no matter what a person's age. The rates of occurrence are approximately five in every 10,000 individuals.

Symptoms

• The most common symptom of spinal stenosis in children is pain. According to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital, the degree of pain is largely dependent on where along the spinal column the stenosis occurs. Pain can radiate down arms and legs and muscle weakness is not uncommon. In many cases, children may complain of feeling pain that radiates from their back and out to their limbs.

Diagnosis

• There are several ways in which spinal stenosis in children is diagnosed. Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital indicates that usually doctors take a thorough physical exam and x-rays. An MRI or CT scan may also be ordered if the x-ray indicates that there is reduced space between the vertebrae, which strongly suggests spinal stenosis. A myelogram test may also be conducted in which a dye solution is injected and followed through the spinal cord.

Treatment

• The most conservative treatment to address spinal stenosis pain in children is the prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs, according to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital. Other treatments may include physical therapy and modifications to physical activities to accommodate for pain for specific types of movements. In extreme cases of spinal stenosis in children, surgery may be recommended to open the space in the spinal column to accommodate the spinal cord and reduce the pressure. However, surgery is considered to be a last resort treatment option.