Stenosis
Definition of Stenosis:
Narrowing of the spinal canal which may result in nerve compression.
Causes of Stenosis:
Developmental Stenosis – occurs as people age and the ligaments of the spine thicken and harden, discs bulge, bones and joints enlarge, and bone spurs (called osteophytes) form.
Disc Herniation – occurs when the inner part of the disc (nucleus pulposus) breaks through the outer encapsulating ring (anulus fibrosus) causing a collapse of the disc. The vertebral disc loses its ability to absorb weight through the spinal column which affects its ability to function normally.
Congenital Narrowing – refers to tightening or narrowing of the canal around the spinal cord, called spinal stenosis. This condition occurs when spinal canal ligaments thicken and harden and bone and joints enlarge usually noted in patients entering their fifth decade of life. If a patient is born with a narrow spinal canal problems can present in their third decade of life.
Spinal Tumor – are rare, and are either benign or malignant. Either way they are dangerous because they may compress the spinal cord and cause neurologic dysfunction.
Spinal Trauma – often caused by automobile or fall accidents result in spinal fractures and/or movement (slippage) of vertebral bodies. These events can cause sudden compression of the spinal cord or nerves which need immediate treatment.
Narrowing of the spinal canal which may result in nerve compression.
Causes of Stenosis:
Developmental Stenosis – occurs as people age and the ligaments of the spine thicken and harden, discs bulge, bones and joints enlarge, and bone spurs (called osteophytes) form.
Disc Herniation – occurs when the inner part of the disc (nucleus pulposus) breaks through the outer encapsulating ring (anulus fibrosus) causing a collapse of the disc. The vertebral disc loses its ability to absorb weight through the spinal column which affects its ability to function normally.
Congenital Narrowing – refers to tightening or narrowing of the canal around the spinal cord, called spinal stenosis. This condition occurs when spinal canal ligaments thicken and harden and bone and joints enlarge usually noted in patients entering their fifth decade of life. If a patient is born with a narrow spinal canal problems can present in their third decade of life.
Spinal Tumor – are rare, and are either benign or malignant. Either way they are dangerous because they may compress the spinal cord and cause neurologic dysfunction.
Spinal Trauma – often caused by automobile or fall accidents result in spinal fractures and/or movement (slippage) of vertebral bodies. These events can cause sudden compression of the spinal cord or nerves which need immediate treatment.
Instability
Definition of Instability:
Mechanical changes of the spinal column creating incorrect movement resulting in pain
Types of Instability:
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) – is the loss of normal structure and function of the intervertebral discs associated with wear and tear related to aging and accumulated trauma. DDD includes herniated, bulged, flattened discs with vertebral body end plates damage.
Spondylolithesis – occurs when a vertebra slides forward in relation to the adjacent vertebra more often in the lumbar spine. Symptoms include difficulty walking due to pain, weakness or sensation changes in the lower back, legs secondary to the impingement of the spinal cord and/or nerves.
Pars Fracture – causes vertebral instability as a crack occurs in and area of the vertebral called the pars interarticularis. This type of fracture can lead to spondylothesis.
Vertebral Fracture – causes a change in the distribution of structural forces, because the vertebral body carries up to 90 percent of the body’s weight.
Mechanical changes of the spinal column creating incorrect movement resulting in pain
Types of Instability:
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) – is the loss of normal structure and function of the intervertebral discs associated with wear and tear related to aging and accumulated trauma. DDD includes herniated, bulged, flattened discs with vertebral body end plates damage.
Spondylolithesis – occurs when a vertebra slides forward in relation to the adjacent vertebra more often in the lumbar spine. Symptoms include difficulty walking due to pain, weakness or sensation changes in the lower back, legs secondary to the impingement of the spinal cord and/or nerves.
Pars Fracture – causes vertebral instability as a crack occurs in and area of the vertebral called the pars interarticularis. This type of fracture can lead to spondylothesis.
Vertebral Fracture – causes a change in the distribution of structural forces, because the vertebral body carries up to 90 percent of the body’s weight.