HEALTH & WELLNESS
The facts on spinal stenosis
The spinal column has open spaces that create
passageways for the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
However, a serious condition occurs when the spi-
nal column narrows, putting pressure on the spinal
column and nerves. This painful compression of the
nerves is known as spinal stenosis.
The pressure that occurs can cause pain, weakness
and numbness and is most common in the cervical
DR. MARIAM and lumbar regions of the spine. The spinal column
GHOBRIEL- can narrow at any point from the head to the tail-
bone, including the center of the spine. This is where
SAWIRIS
nerves branch out from the spinal cord and in the
spaces between the vertebrae.
Spinal stenosis is commonly caused by excess growth of the bone
around the spinal nerves, which is the result of osteoarthritis. It can
also result from a dislocation or fracture of the vertebral bone, or
by soft tissue intruding into the spine’s open spaces. Other culprits
are herniated discs, tumors and thickened spinal ligaments, which
press against the spinal nerves.
• FACT: Some conditions and illnesses tend to affect either mostly
men or women, but spinal stenosis does not discriminate. Men
and women are affected by the condition in equal numbers. The
primary cause is arthritis and aging.
• FACT: Patients over 50 years of age are most at risk. Very few pa-
tients under the age of 30 are diagnosed with spinal stenosis.
If so, the cause is usually trauma to the spine from an external
force, such as an auto accident.
• FACT: Spinal stenosis may be inherited. While spinal stenosis is
mostly caused by the aging process, the condition can be passed
92
NEW JERSEY COPS
■ NOVEMBER 2018
down from one generation to the next. Associated conditions
include scoliosis and achondroplasia.
• FACT: The location of spinal stenosis is related to where symp-
toms present in the body. Patients will feel numbness, pain and
tingling depending on where the spine narrows. If the lower part
of the spine is affected, symptoms will present in the legs; if the
spine narrows higher up, there will be symptoms in the arms.
• FACT: Surgery is not necessary to treat spinal stenosis.
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity. Pain can
radiate down the back, arms and legs. The development of spinal
stenosis can affect a person’s involuntary and voluntary functions,
such as breathing, walking and even bladder and bowel control.
Spinal stenosis in the lower back usually causes sciatica.
Treatment options may include anti-inflammatory pain reliev-
ers (such as ibuprofen and aspirin), muscle relaxants or other pain
relief medications. Physical therapy may also be recommended,
as stretching and adjusting posture may alleviate some pain and
discomfort. Flexing and stretching the spinal column can also
help elongate and enlarge the narrow segments and provide relief.
Surgery may be required for patients who experience chronic dis-
comfort and pain, especially if the bladder and bowels are compro-
mised or other methods are not effective.
Mariam Ghobriel-Sawiris, M.D. is the chair of the Pain Manage-
ment Division at Centrastate Medical Center and board certified
in pain management. She has been practicing pain management
in the Monmouth County area for more than 10 years. Liberty Pain
Center has an outstanding patient satisfaction reputation and is lo-
cated at 800 West Main St., Suite 111, Freehold, NJ 07728. To schedule
an appointment, please call 732-303-0102.