Spinal stenosis is a medical condition that occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in the spine. While it can be caused by an accident or injury, there are also several common causes of spinal stenosis that people should be aware of. The experts at Interventional Pain Doctors explain the causes of spinal stenosis and break down treatment options, such as an epidural block for back pain.
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
Due to the nature of spinal stenosis, there is a large range of symptoms, including:
- Back pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness in the legs
There are several causes of spinal stenosis, but there are treatments available. Understanding the causes of spinal stenosis is essential for those experiencing symptoms, as it can help determine the best course of pain management Long Beach treatment.
Age-Related Degenerative Changes
One of the most common causes of spinal stenosis is age-related degenerative changes in the spine. As we age, our joints tend to wear down and become less flexible. This creates compression on the spinal cord due to bone spurs, herniated discs, or other degenerative changes in the spine. It’s important to note that this type of spinal stenosis usually affects older adults more than younger individuals. If you think you may have age-related degenerative changes, contact your local clinic for pain management in Los Angeles, such as an epidural block for back pain.
Arthritis
Another common cause of spinal stenosis is arthritis. Arthritis can cause inflammation around the spine, leading to the narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of the nerves. Osteoarthritis is one type of arthritis that affects people with spinal stenosis as they age. It’s important to note that both rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis can also lead to this condition.
Infections
Infections such as tuberculosis and syphilis can also lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal and spinal stenosis. This type of infection typically occurs in people with weakened immune systems due to HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, or other chronic illnesses. People with weakened immune systems need to get regular checkups with a clinic for pain management Long Beach so that infections are caught early and prevent further damage.
Treatments for Spinal Stenosis
There are various treatments for spinal stenosis, including non-surgical and surgical options. Non-surgical treatments include physical therapy, pain management with medications, and an epidural block for back pain. Epidural injections are a type of pain management procedure involving the delivery of a steroid medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. This helps to reduce inflammation and provides pain relief. While epidural injections help with pain, surgery provides a more permanent solution.
Epidural Block for Back Pain from Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a medical condition that occurs when the spine narrows due to a variety of factors, including age-related degenerative changes, arthritis, infections, trauma or injury, and tumor growths. It’s important for anyone experiencing back pain or other symptoms associated with this condition to seek medical attention from Interventional Pain Doctors right away so they can receive proper diagnosis and treatment such as epidural block for back pain. To learn more about our services, please visit our website.