What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is narrowing of spinal  space and or  compression  your spinal cord and nerve roots as they depart each vertebra. Changes in your spine as you get old is a common cause.  Symptoms are –back pain and/or neck pain, as well as numbness, tingling and weakness in the arms and legs.

What is spinal stenosis?

The narrowing of one or more areas within your spine is known as spinal stenosis. The amount of space available for your spinal cord and nerves that branch off your spinal cord is reduced . The spinal cord or nerves might become inflamed or pinched as a result of a narrowed space, resulting in back discomfort and causing claudication pain called neurogenic claudication.

Spinal stenosis normally takes a long time to develop, especially after 50 years . Osteoarthritis, or “wear and tear” changes in the spine that develop naturally as you age, are the most common causes. As a result, if some alterations are seen on X-rays or other imaging tests conducted for another cause, you may not have any symptoms for a long period.

Where does spinal stenosis affect?

Spinal stenosis can affect any part of the spine, however it usually affects two areas:

  • Lower back (lumbar canal stenosis)
  • Neck (cervical spinal stenosis)

Who gets affected by spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis can affect anyone, but it is most frequent among men and women over 50 years of age. Spinal stenosis can also affect younger persons who were born with a narrow spinal canal. Spinal stenosis can be caused by a variety of disorders that affect the spine, such as scoliosis or a spinal injury.

Causes of spinal stenosis:

There are numerous reasons for spinal stenosis. What they all have in common is that they alter the shape of your spine, narrowing the area around your spinal cord and nerve roots that escape through it. Compression or pinching of the spinal cord or nerve roots causes symptoms such as low back pain and sciatica.

The causes are:

  • Bulging disks/ herniated disk: a flat, circular cushioning pad (vertebral disc) sits between each vertebra and works as a stress absorber along the spine. The gel-like centre of these discs breaks through a weak or torn outer layer due to age-related drying out and flattening of vertebral discs, as well as breaking in the outside border of the discs. The nerves near the disc are then compressed by the bulging disc.

Spinal stenosis is commonly caused by herniated discs and bone spurs causing narrowing of spinal and Neurol foramina.

  • Thickened ligaments: ligaments, the fibre bands that keep the spine together, have thickened. Ligaments can enlarge and bulge into the spinal canal space as a result of arthritis (and can cause lateral recess syndrome)
  • So many times both disc prolapse and ligaments and facets enlarge may cause spinal stenosis.
  • inflammation from damage along the spine, can narrow the canal space or exert pressure on the nerves
  • Bone overgrowth/ arthritic spurs: osteoarthritis is a “wear and tear” condition that causes cartilage to break down in your joints, including spine. The protective coating of joints is cartilage. The bones begin to rub against one another when cartilage goes down. Your body reacts by producing new bone tissue. Bone spurs or bone overgrowth are a common occurrence.

Bone spurs on vertebrae protrude into the spinal canal, limiting the space and squeezing nerves.

Dr. Ganesh Veerabhadraiah

Consultant – Neurosurgeon, Neurointerventional Surgery, Spine Surgeon (Neuro)
23+ Years Experience Overall (17+ years as Neuro Specialist)

Available for Consultation: Jayanagar 9th Block & Kauvery Hospital, Electronic City 

Symptoms of spinal stenosis

1. Lower back (lumbar) spinal stenosis:

  • Lower back pain is a common ailment. Pain can range from a subtle aching or discomfort to an electric or searing sensation. It’s normal for pain to come and go.
  • Sciatica: this pain is what starts in your buttocks and spreads down your leg, possibly into your foot.
  • Leg cramps in one or both legs due to heavy feeling in the legs , after walking for sometime in the beginning, later stages even few steps also pain in legs ( neurogenic claudication)
  • Numbness or tingling in the buttocks, leg or foot (sometimes known as “pins or needles”)

2. Neck (cervical) spinal stenosis:

  • Neck ache
  • Arm, hand, leg or foot numbness or tingling. (symptoms can occur anywhere below the nerve compression point)
  • Arm, hand, leg or foot weakness or clumsiness.
  • Problems with body balance.
  • Loss of hand functioning, such as difficulty in writing or buttoning clothes.
  • Bladder or bowel control problems (in severe cases)

3. Abdomen (thoracic) spinal stenosis:

  • At or below the level of the abdomen, there is pain, numbness, tingling or weakness.
  • Problems with equilibrium.

Diagnosis 

Neuro imaging – MRI  to see the disc hernation and degree of canal stenosis

X Rays  to see the slip vertebrae, spondylolysis

Conculsion

Our expert Neuro team at NeuroWellness a neuro hospital in Bangalore provides consultation and treatment to all neuro problems.

FAQs

1. What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of spaces in the spine, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It commonly affects the neck or lower back.

2. What causes spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is often caused by age-related changes like herniated discs, thickened ligaments, bone spurs (from osteoarthritis), or spinal injuries.

3. What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Symptoms include lower back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, weakness in the limbs, sciatica, and leg cramps. In severe cases, balance issues and bladder/bowel problems may occur.

4. Where in the spine does spinal stenosis occur?

Spinal stenosis commonly affects the lower back (lumbar region) and neck (cervical region), but can also impact the thoracic spine (mid-back) in rare cases.

5. How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?

Spinal stenosis is diagnosed using MRI scans to visualize disc herniation and nerve compression, and X-rays to assess structural issues like slipped vertebrae.

What you should know about disc prolapse at neck cervical PIVD?

When you feel discomfort for long period in your neck or upper back that you have never felt before, you might have a herniated cervical disc.

While it can sound worrying, it is not an unusual health condition as you age. In fact, you might not even know you have one if you do not have any symptoms.

Spine and cervical discs:

 It will help if you first understand your spine, how it is built and where your cervical discs are located.

Vertebrae are the bones that make up your spinal column. They keep you on your feet. They also protect and surround your spinal cord, which resembles a tube with a fluid-filled centre. It runs from the top of your head to the bottom of your spine.

Discs are spongy cushions that sit between the vertebrae. They serve as shock absorbers for your everyday motions, as well as leaping, jogging and other activities that cause your body to wear out.

From top to bottom, your spine is divided into three primary segments:

  • Cervical
  • Thoracic
  • Lumbar

The cervical vertebrae are the top seven vertebrae in your spine. Nerves that connect your arms, hands and upper body are found in the cervical portion of your spinal cord.

The cervical vertebrae are cushioned by cervical discs. They also allow you to bend and twist your neck and back by connecting the vertebrae to one another.

Meaning of herniated:

A gel-like substance is seen in the core of the discs between the vertebrae. A disk’s outer layer is made up of fibrous cartilage, which keeps the gel confined.

The gel can poke out if the outer section tears or cracks. This is what it means for a disc to be herniated.

A ruptured disc” or a slipped disc” is another name for a herniated disc. It is similar to a jelly doughnut with the filling squirted out.

How does a cervical disc herniate?

 The cervical spine has six intervertebral discs. Each cervical disc cushions the vertebral bodies and helps disperse loads from the neck and head above by sitting between neighbouring vertebrae (one above and one below). A disc is made up of two basic components:

  • Annulus fibrosus: it is a type of fibrosus. The disc’s outer layer is made up of concentric collagen fibres, making it robust enough to protect the disc’s fragile inner layer. The annulus fibrosus aids in the handling of large loads and shock absorption in the spine.
  • Nucleus pulposus: the inside of the annulus fibrosus is made up of a loose network of fibres suspended in microprotein gel and protected by the annulus fibrosus. The nucleus pulposus adds to the cushioning and flexibility of the movements.
  • most common cervical disc to herniate is C5C6 followed by C6C7.

Causes of herniated cervical disc:

It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of a herniated cervical disc. It usually starts slowly and has no obvious cause. However, the reason can occasionally be narrowed down to:

  • Age: because of wear and strain, a disc may be more prone to herniation. Our discs contain a lot of water when we are young. However, as we age, the amount of water content reduces. When the discs have less water in them, they become less flexible. As a result, the risk of it rupturing or herniating increases when you move, twist or turn. They can rupture with less force in older people.
  • Genetics: herniated discs can also be passed down through families
  • Movement: one can be cause by sudden, jarring motions
  • Sudden strain: a disc can be damaged if you lift a large object or turn or rotate your upper body too quickly

Symptoms of herniated cervical disc:

One of the most prevalent reasons for neck pain is herniated cervical disc. Other symptoms that may occur if the disc is pressing on a nerve root include:

  • Numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm, which may extend to the fingers
  • A Hand or arm that is weak .

If it presses against your spinal cord, you may experience more severe symptoms such as:

  • Walking with stumbling or awkwardly
  • Tingling or a jolting sensation travelling down your spine and into your legs
  • Problems with fine motor skills when using your hands and arms
  • Loss of coordination and balance.

Summary:

Herniated discs are frequent ,treatment is based on degree of herniation and clinical presentation of patients. Herniated discs are more common in people after 50 year, but it can occur in 30s also. You should consider consult Neurosurgeon in Bangalore or visit the Neuro Wellness care centre which is a Bangalore Spine Specialist Clinic and provides the best and cost effective treatment for spine related problems and Back Pain Treatment in Bangalore.

FAQs About Herniated Cervical Disc

1. What is a herniated cervical disc?

A herniated cervical disc occurs when the gel-like substance inside a spinal disc leaks out through a tear or crack in its outer layer, putting pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. This condition is also known as a “slipped disc” or “ruptured disc.”

2. What are the symptoms of a herniated cervical disc?

Common symptoms include:
-Neck pain
-Numbness or tingling in the shoulder, arm, or fingers
-Weakness in the hand or arm
If the disc presses on the spinal cord, severe symptoms like loss of coordination, difficulty walking, or tingling sensations in the legs may occur.

3. What causes a cervical disc to herniate?

A herniated cervical disc can be caused by:
Aging: Disc wear and reduced water content make them more prone to rupture.
Genetics: A family history of herniated discs can increase risk.
Movement: Sudden or jarring motions may cause herniation.
Strain: Lifting heavy objects or twisting quickly can damage the disc.

4. Which cervical discs are most commonly affected?

The most commonly herniated cervical discs are:
C5-C6
C6-C7

5. What are the components of a cervical disc?

Cervical discs have two key parts:
Annulus fibrosus: The tough outer layer made of collagen fibers.
Nucleus pulposus: The gel-like inner core that provides cushioning and flexibility.

6. How is a herniated cervical disc diagnosed?

A neurosurgeon will assess your symptoms, conduct a physical examination, and may order imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis.

7. Can herniated cervical discs occur without symptoms?

Yes, some people may have a herniated cervical disc without any noticeable symptoms. It is often detected incidentally during imaging tests for other conditions.

8. Who is at risk of developing a herniated cervical disc?

-Individuals over 50 years old are more commonly affected due to aging-related wear and tear.
-People in their 30s may also experience herniation due to sudden strain or injury.

9. What are the treatment options for herniated cervical discs?

Treatment depends on the severity of the herniation and symptoms. Options include:
-Medications to relieve pain and inflammation
-Physical therapy for improved strength and mobility
-Surgical intervention for severe cases, if non-surgical treatments fail

10. When should I consult a doctor for a herniated cervical disc?

Consult a neurosurgeon if you experience:
-Persistent neck pain
-Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or hands
-Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
-Problems with fine motor skills

11. Where can I find treatment for herniated cervical discs in Bangalore?

Neurowellness Brain and Spine Clinic in Bangalore provides expert consultation and cost-effective treatment for herniated cervical discs and other spine-related conditions.
For appointments, contact:
Phone: +91 72596 69911 | +91 73490 17701
Address: #1224, Ground Floor, 26th Main, Jayanagar 9th Block, Bangalore – 560069.

7 Tips to Heal Your Headache

If you are suffering from headache and looking to heal with Headache Specialist in Bangalore then you are on the right page. In this article, you will get 7 tips to heal your headache but before we jump to tips let’s understand some important information about the headache.

How Medical Define Headache?

The medical definition of “headache” is a pain in the head, which is located in the front, side, back of the head, and neck.

Let me quote the definition of Wikipedia –

“Headache is the symptom of pain in the face, head, or neck. It can occur as migraine, tension-type headache, or cluster headache. There is an increased risk of depression in those with severe headaches. Headaches can occur as a result of many conditions.”

Headache

Headache is classified mainly into two categories: Primary and secondary.

A primary headache is usually benign and longstanding. Common primary headaches are migraine and tension-type headache. They have typical features – Migraine, tends to be pulsating in character, affecting one side of the head, associated with nausea, disabling in severity and it usually lasts between 3 hours and 3 days.

7-Tips-to-cure-your-headach

Secondary Headache: This may be caused by problems elsewhere in the head or neck. Some of these are not harmful, such as cervicogenic headache (pain arising from the neck muscles). Medication overuse headache may occur in those using excessive analgesics or other medication for a headache.

Serious causes of secondary headache include brain tumours, stroke and brain hemorrhage. Patients having a very severe headache, thunderclap headache or sudden change in the pattern of long duration headache or having associated symptoms like vision loss, frequent vomiting, seizures and drowsiness may have a serious disease. This type of headache requires a brain scan (CT or MRI Scan). It may also require surgery depending on the pathology. Brain tumour biopsy or surgery may be required to know the tissue diagnosis or to relieve the headache and other associated neurological symptoms.

Why do we get headaches?

There are perceptions that headaches are a pain that originate from the brain. By the way, that is not the case because while the brain makes us a sense of pain in different parts of our bodies, it is unable to feel any pain itself.

So the pain we feel when we get a headache usually initiates from the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles that cover our head and neck.

7-Tips-to-cure-your-headach

Actually, we feel pain when these muscles or blood vessels expand, contract, or go through other changes that activate the nerves around them to send a pain signal to the brain. If you wish to know more please visit a Headache Specialist in Bangalore.

What causes headaches?

There are many different reasons of headaches. Some of the most common triggers include stress, dehydration, computer or TV fatigue, loud music, smoking, alcohol, caffeine, hunger, sleeplessness and eye strain. Each type of common headache pain varies in intensity, location, for example, the top, back, or front of the head, and duration.

Sometimes hormonal changes could trigger a headache—for example, the dreaded period headache! Some kinds of headaches, like migraines, could also be hereditary which can be treated by a Best doctor for migraine in Bangalore. Stress and anxiety may trigger some people’s headaches, and some seem to have no apparent cause.

7 Tips to Heal Your Headache

Now that you are aware of Headache and its causes here you get 7 Tips to Heal Your Headache

1. Take Analgesic/pain killer after consulting the Neurosurgeon in Bangalore

In this article, all tips belong to writer experience and written for sharing information but please consult a Neurosurgeon in Bangalore before taking pain medications including the most commonly used paracetamol. Let me help you understand about paracetamol – It is very common pain reliever medicine but it has some side effects such as stomach upset – nausea and vomiting over usage can cause liver damage.

 medicine

Next common medicine used by the common man is aspirin. People with stomach ulcers or on blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) should not take aspirin. Alcohol use increases the risk of bleeding. People older than 60 years and those with kidney problems should not take aspirin unless advised by their Headache Specialist in Bangalore.

2. Try Heating Pad or Hot Compress

If you have a headache due to tension, the doctor may advise – a heating pad on your neck or the lower back of your head. If you have a sinus headache, hold a warm cloth to the area that hurts. A warm shower might also help.

Hot Compress

3. Dim the Lights

If you stay in Bright or flickering light like long work duration in front of computer/laptop screen, can cause headaches. If you’re prone to lighting devices, use the best quality eyeglasses or wear sunglasses while going outdoors.

Dim the Lights

4. Try Head Massage

Your neurosurgeon in Bangalore may advise the best cure but a few minutes of massaging your forehead, neck, and temples can help ease a tension headache, which may result from stress. Or apply gentle, rotating pressure to the painful area.

5. Avoid Stress

Stress leads to many health issues and headache is one of them. Stress is nothing but the body’s response to a challenge or demand. Everyone experiences stress, which can be triggered by a range of events, from small daily hassles to major life incidents like family issues, toxic relationships, and divorce or job loss. Try to be punctual on your healthy diets and good sleep.

Avoid Stress

6. Call Your Headache Specialist in Bangalore

Headache may lead to many neurological problems – for example, if you suffer from chronic headaches and can’t find relief with normal medications, you might be experiencing cervicogenic headaches.

concernA headache that gets worse even after you take pain medications so if you have an immediate health concern, don’t wait weeks to book an appointment with the best Headache Specialist in Bangalore.

Our expert Neuro team at NeuroWellness in Bengaluru provides consultation and treatment to all neuro problems.

Please visit

NeuroWellness
Brain and Spine Clinic
#1224, Ground-Floor, 26th Main, Jayanagar 9th Block
BANGALORE – 560069

Phone No
72596 69911
73490 17701

Website www.neurowellness.in

Facebook www.facebook.com/neurowellness.in/

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader is advised to always seek the advice of a physician prior to changing any treatment or to receive answers to questions regarding a specific medical condition.

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