| Stenosis back pain originates in the spinal canal itself. | | | | cramping, and pain in legs or arms as the nerves are |
| Stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, and | | | | compressed. |
| compresses the nerves inside it. This compression of | | | | Stenosis Back Pain Test Problem |
| the nerves can lead to stenosis back pain, numbness | | | | The problem with tests for spinal stenosis is that the |
| in the legs, and the loss of bladder or bowel control. | | | | conditions shares symptoms with so many other |
| If left untreated, stenosis back pain can eventually | | | | disease. The result has too often been costly |
| become paralysis. | | | | misdiagnoses and unnecessary back surgery, |
| It is estimated that approximately 400,000 Americans | | | | according to Andrew Haig, M.D., associate professor |
| currently have spinal stenosis back pain. That number | | | | in the Department of Physical Medicine and |
| is expected to increase as Baby Boomers age. | | | | Rehabilitation at the University of Michigan Medical |
| Defining Stenosis Back Pain | | | | School. |
| You probably know that the spinal column protects | | | | The following 3 tests are used to diagnose the cause |
| your spinal cord, a bundle of nerves, from being | | | | of stenosis back pain. |
| injured. In spinal stenosis, the spine narrows in one or | | | | 1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) -radio waves to |
| more of three places: space at the center of the | | | | picture the spine |
| spine; canals where nerves branch outward from the | | | | 2. Computerized axial tomography (CAT) - X-ray |
| spine itself; a space between the spine's bones | | | | series to picture the spine |
| (vertebrae). | | | | 3. Electromyogram (EMG)- a test that not only gives |
| Stenosis back pain occurs when the narrowing puts | | | | a picture of nerves, but also tests nerve function, |
| pressure on the nerves inside the spinal column. | | | | showing if there is actual nerve damage |
| Although this can occur in younger people, it is most | | | | Best Stenosis Back Pain Test |
| often a complaint of those over 50 years of age. | | | | Of the three, the oldest, Electromyogram (EMG) has |
| Causes of Stenosis Back Pain | | | | been found to be the best. This test has been |
| Spinal stenosis back pain can be caused by a number | | | | around as long as, or longer than the Baby Boomers |
| of factors. | | | | themselves, but a study published in the January |
| 1. Age is a primary factor. As we age, bands of | | | | 2006 issue of "Spine" shows that it is by far the best |
| supportive tissue in the spine may harden and | | | | of the three tests. |
| thicken. Our bones and joints may enlarge as they | | | | That study, done by the University of Michigan |
| age. We may get bone spurs on the spine - places | | | | Health System, shows that the EMG test accurately |
| where bone surfaces bulge outward. | | | | determines the cause of stenosis back pain. As a |
| 2. Arthritis is another cause of spinal stenosis and | | | | result, low back pain is less likely to be misdiagnosed, |
| accompanying stenosis back pain. Either osteoarthritis | | | | as are other common neuromuscular conditions with |
| or rheumatoid arthritis may be to blame. | | | | similar symptoms. Back surgery undertaken to cure |
| Osteoarthritis is the more common of the two. This | | | | misdiagnosed stenosis back pain can be avoided with |
| type of arthritis usually is seen in middle-aged and | | | | this stenosis back pain test. |
| older people, and does not go away. Osteoarthritis | | | | Tests done in the U of M study by Dr. Andrew Haig |
| can cause the bone spurs described above. | | | | and his colleagues showed a substantial difference |
| Rheumatoid arthritis is usually seen in younger people, | | | | between those who have spinal stenosis and those |
| and is not usually a cause of spinal stenosis back pain. | | | | with other types of back pain. It showed that use of |
| 3. Inherited factors may also lead to stenosis and | | | | the EMG allows experts to clearly distinguish between |
| stenosis back pain. Some genetic conditions, such as | | | | spinal stenosis and low back pain. |
| a small spinal canal or curved spine, can cause spinal | | | | "Most doctors think of EMG as a simple test and |
| stenosis. | | | | incorrectly believe that it is sensitive for nerve |
| 4. Other causes for your stenosis back pain could | | | | damage, but cannot differentiate spinal stenosis form |
| include calcium deposits, fluoride accumulation, or | | | | neuromuscular disease," explains Haig. "But as this |
| injuries. | | | | study shows, that's not the case. In fact, EMG is an |
| Symptoms of Stenosis Back Pain | | | | excellent test for spinal stenosis and other |
| Stenosis back pain usually occurs in the neck or back. | | | | neuromuscular disorders using strict evidence-based |
| In addition to the stenosis back pain, you may feel | | | | criteria." (Spine, Vol. 30, No. |
| pain down one leg, or numbness, weakness, | | | | |