Stenosis – Back Pain Test
Stenosis back Pain originates in the spinal canal itself. Stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, and compresses the nerves inside it. This compression of the nerves can lead to stenosis back Pain, numbness in the legs, and the loss of bladder or bowel control. If left untreated, stenosis back Pain can eventually become paralysis.
It is estimated that approximately 400,000 Americans currently have spinal stenosis back Pain. That number is expected to increase as Baby Boomers age.
Defining Stenosis Back Pain
You probably know that the spinal column protects your spinal cord, a bundle of nerves, from being injured. In spinal stenosis, the spine narrows in one or more of three places: space at the center of the spine; canals where nerves branch outward from the spine itself; a space between the spine’s bones (vertebrae).
Stenosis back pain occurs when the narrowing puts pressure on the nerves inside the spinal column. Although this can occur in younger people, it is most often a complaint of those over 50 years of age.
Causes of Stenosis Back Pain
Spinal stenosis back pain can be caused by a number of factors.
1. Age is a primary factor. As we age, bands of supportive tissue in the spine may harden and thicken. Our bones and joints may enlarge as they age. We may get bone spurs on the spine – places where bone surfaces bulge outward.
2. Arthritis is another cause of spinal stenosis and accompanying stenosis back pain. Either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may be to blame. Osteoarthritis is the more common of the two. This type of arthritis usually is seen in middle-aged and older people, and does not go away. Osteoarthritis can cause the bone spurs described above. Rheumatoid arthritis is usually seen in younger people, and is not usually a cause of spinal stenosis back pain.
3. Inherited factors may also lead to stenosis and stenosis back pain. Some genetic conditions, such as a small spinal canal or curved spine, can cause spinal stenosis.
4. Other causes for your stenosis back pain could include calcium deposits, fluoride accumulation, or injuries.
Symptoms of Stenosis Back Pain
Stenosis back pain usually occurs in the neck or back. In addition to the stenosis back pain, you may feel pain down one leg, or numbness, weakness, cramping, and pain in legs or arms as the nerves are compressed.
Stenosis Back Pain Test Problem
The problem with tests for spinal stenosis is that the conditions shares symptoms with so many other disease. The result has too often been costly misdiagnoses and unnecessary back surgery, according to Andrew Haig, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Michigan Medical School.
The following 3 tests are used to diagnose the cause of stenosis back pain.
1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) -radio waves to picture the spine
2. Computerized axial tomography (CAT) – X-ray series to picture the spine
3. Electromyogram (EMG)- a test that not only gives a picture of nerves, but also tests nerve function, showing if there is actual nerve damage
Best Stenosis Back Pain Test
Of the three, the oldest, Electromyogram (EMG) has been found to be the best. This test has been around as long as, or longer than the Baby Boomers themselves, but a study published in the January 2006 issue of “Spine” shows that it is by far the best of the three tests.
That study, done by the University of Michigan Health System, shows that the EMG test accurately determines the cause of stenosis back pain. As a result, low back pain is less likely to be misdiagnosed, as are other common neuromuscular conditions with similar symptoms. Back surgery undertaken to cure misdiagnosed stenosis back pain can be avoided with this stenosis back pain test.
Tests done in the U of M study by Dr. Andrew Haig and his colleagues showed a substantial difference between those who have spinal stenosis and those with other types of back pain. It showed that use of the EMG allows experts to clearly distinguish between spinal stenosis and low back pain.
“Most doctors think of EMG as a simple test and incorrectly believe that it is sensitive for nerve damage, but cannot differentiate spinal stenosis form neuromuscular disease,” explains Haig. “But as this study shows, that’s not the case. In fact, EMG is an excellent test for spinal stenosis and other neuromuscular disorders using strict evidence-based criteria.” (Spine, Vol. 30, No. 23)
Anna Hart
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/stenosis-back-pain-test-122606.html
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4 Responses to “Stenosis – Back Pain Test”
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Low back pain,Multi level PID,Secondary canal Stenosis,L3-L4 & L4-L5 dessicated 9mm,L5 traversing nerve roots,?My bro in law, 33yrs…..Problem: Severe Low back pain..Cant stand more than 10 Min's….Problem from last 1+ yrs…MRI done….Multi level PID,Secondary canal Stenosis, L3-L4 & L4-L5 dessicated,L5 traversing nerve roots….L4-L5 & L5-S1 both are 09mm…Other tests are ok.blood routine, sugar, uric acid etc…Pain killer (HIFENAC) & Other like NEUGABA 75 is going on….No results….Several black spots seen in whole body…Stopped HIFENAC….Now only Flunil 20 & Neugaba M 75 going on….Consulted several orthopedic, Neurologist sergeon….Now a renowned doc prescribed EPIDURAL Injection at back……Is it ok to take…..Not ready for OPS…financial prob also….Some says Operation may not help….Shall we go for it……Pls reply at earliest…..at zafar_hossain@in.com, hossain_zafar@yahoo.co.in
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (bothersome thoughts that won't go away and the need to perform certain actions over and over), some eating disorders, and panic attacks (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Fluoxetine (Sarafem) is used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, including mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness. Fluoxetine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
Pregabalin is used to relieve neuropathic pain (pain from damaged nerves) that can occur in your arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, or toes if you have diabetes or in the area of your rash if you have had shingles (a painful rash that occurs after infection with herpes zoster). It is also used to treat fibromyalgia (a long-lasting condition that may cause pain, muscle stiffness and tenderness, tiredness, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Pregabalin is used with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy. Pregabalin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing the number of pain signals that are sent out by damaged nerves in the body.
Please see the web pages for more details on Fluoxetine (generic name) Flunil (brand name) and Pregabaline (generic name) Neugaba (brand name).
Please note that I am not a medical professional.
References : http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a689006.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoxetine http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information… http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pregabalin http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information…
You got question,we have the answer just visit healthonclick.com to post your question.References : http://www.healthonclick.com
Epidural injection can be tried. All the pain killers are not going to help. Wearing Lumbosacral belt, life style modifications and simple spinal exercises will definitely help. If the pain is only at back, you can try conservative management since there are multiple level disc prolapse. Surgery depends on the clinical signs and symptom and MRI finding.References :