Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons treating Spinal Dislocation

SPINAL STENOSIS

Spinal stenosis can lead to a slow but steady loss of strength in the legs. The severe pain caused by this condition can be quite disabling, even if you have no muscle weakness since it greatly affects your ability to work and enjoy life. The natural course of the disease is one of slow progression over time.

If your child needs surgery or casting, our Fracture Care Clinic opens every day and you do not need an appointment. Surgery rooms get scheduled every morning, so your child receives the care and attention they need right away.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal StenosisSpinal stenosis is a medical condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal.  This condition puts pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that pass through it.  Generally, this can result in pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty walking. Meanwhile, there are various causes and types of spinal stenosis.  The condition can be treated with both surgical and non-surgical methods.

Causes

Spinal stenosis can be caused by a number of factors, including degenerative changes in the spine, trauma, tumors, infections, and congenital abnormalities. Presently, the most common cause of this condition is age-related degeneration of the spine, which results in the thickening of ligaments and the formation of bone spurs. Furthermore, other causes may include Juvenile Scoliosis, herniated discs, spinal tumors, and spinal injuries.

Types of Spinal Stenosis:

Lumbar Stenosis

Lumbar stenosis is the most common type of spinal stenosis, and it occurs in the lower back. Significantly, it can be caused by several factors, including degenerative changes, herniated discs, and bone spurs. In addition, symptoms of lumbar stenosis can include  back pain or numbness in the lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet.  Unfortunately, the pain may be worse when standing or walking and may improve when sitting or leaning forward. In severe cases, lumbar stenosis can cause weakness or loss of sensation in the legs or feet.

Cervical Stenosis

Cervical stenosis is less common than lumbar stenosis, and it occurs in the neck. In this case, it is caused by several factors, including degenerative changes, herniated discs, and bone spurs. To begin with, symptoms of cervical stenosis can include pain or numbness in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands. To explain, the pain may be worse when moving the neck and may improve when resting. In severe cases, cervical stenosis can cause weakness or loss of sensation in the arms or hands.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

What is spinal stenosis, and how does it affect my child?

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. In children, it can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired. The healthcare provider can explain the specific type and severity of spinal stenosis your child has and how it may impact their daily life.

What are the treatment options available for children with spinal stenosis?

Treatment options can vary depending on the severity of spinal stenosis. They may include physical therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery. The healthcare provider can discuss the potential benefits and risks of each option and help determine the most appropriate course of action for your child.

What lifestyle modifications or precautions should we take to support our child with spinal stenosis?

Understanding how to manage daily activities, exercise, and any necessary lifestyle modifications is crucial. The healthcare provider can provide guidance on activities that may help strengthen your child’s back, as well as any restrictions or precautions they should follow to prevent further complications.

Remember, these questions are general in nature, and it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your child’s specific condition and medical history.

Schedule an appointment and see a pediatric orthopedist quickly for spine problems at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

The symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. To summarize, common symptoms of this condition include:

  • Pain in the neck or lower back
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • Weakness in the arms or legs
  • Difficulty walking or standing for extended periods of time
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)

Diagnosis

If spinal stenosis is suspected, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests.  The test are usually X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. These tests can help  determine the extent of the narrowing of the spinal canal.  Furthermore, the tests will identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the stenosis.

Treatment of Spinal Stenosis

Treatment for spinal stenosis will depend on the severity of the condition and the specific symptoms that are present. In mild cases, non-surgical treatments may be effective in relieving symptoms. These treatments may include:

  • Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches can help to strengthen the muscles that support the spine and improve flexibility.
  • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Epidural steroid injections: These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the area around the spinal cord, providing temporary relief of symptoms.

If non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended. There are several surgical options for spinal stenosis, including:

  • Laminectomy: This is a procedure in which a portion of the vertebral bone is removed to create more space in the spinal canal.
  • Spinal fusion: This involves fusing two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine.
  • Foraminotomy: This procedure removes bone or tissue that is compressing the nerve roots that exit the spinal cord.

Prevention

Preventing spinal stenosis may not always be possible, especially in cases where it is caused by congenital factors or natural degeneration with aging. However, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of your child developing this condition or slow down its progression:

  • Exercise regularly: Exercise is one of the most effective ways to keep your child’s spine healthy and prevent spinal stenosis. Strengthening the muscles around the spine, especially the core muscles, can help to support the spine and reduce pressure on the nerves.
  • Maintain good posture: Poor posture can put unnecessary stress on the spine and increase the risk of spinal stenosis. Maintaining good posture, especially when sitting or standing for long periods, can help to prevent this condition.
  • Avoid repetitive motions: Repetitive motions, such as those performed in certain sports or work activities, can cause wear and tear on the spine and increase the risk of spinal stenosis. Be sure to take breaks and stretch regularly if you engage in repetitive motions.
  • Manage weight: Being overweight can put additional stress on the spine and increase the risk of spinal stenosis. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help to prevent this condition.
  • Seek treatment for spine injuries: Injuries to the spine, such as herniated discs or fractures, can increase the risk of spinal stenosis. Seeking prompt treatment for spine injuries can help to prevent this condition.

In summary, maintaining good spinal health through exercise, posture, and weight management can help to prevent spinal stenosis. Avoiding repetitive motions, quitting smoking, and seeking prompt treatment for spine injuries can also reduce the risk of developing spinal stenosis.

Conclusion

Finally, spinal stenosis is a common condition that can cause pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs, arms, or other parts of the body. The causes of spinal stenosis can vary, and the type of stenosis can also differ depending on the location within the spine. Lumbar stenosis is the most common type of spinal stenosis and occurs.

How your child will heal from a spinal stenosis procedure to fix the problem depends on how severe the  spinal stenosis is. As a parent, you can help your child get the best result by not missing any of the follow-up doctor visits, giving proper meds as directed, and following the doctor’s instructions regarding activities.  Finally, our doctors at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists, with offices in ArlingtonDallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, and McKinney, TX understand the importance of maintaining your child’s health. In addition, our experts and specialists have the training, knowledge, and experience required to stop the pain from Spinal Stenosis in a child. If your child needs the best spine doctors in Texas, please call our office at 214-556-0590 to schedule an appointment at one of our five locations.

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Footnote:

National Institute of Health: Spinal Stenosis

 

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