Spinal Stenosis Types

There are various types of Spinal Stenosis present, which attack human in different time of their lives. Let’s see the major types of Spinal Stenosis.

Congenital Spinal Stenosis

Congenial Spinal Stenosis is a condition, which is found at birth. In this condition, you will see that the spinal canal of the patient is narrowing down. It affects the spinal canal of the neck. Though it is found at birth, but Congenial Spinal Stenosis is not hereditary. It increases the risk of spinal cord injury in the patient. This narrow spinal cord may be a result of the abnormal spinal parts. It is also seen in most of the short stature people. Narrow spine is a prime effect of this type of stenosis.

The symptoms of Congenital Spinal Stenosis vary depending on the affected parts. In case of problem in the upper section of the spine, pain may be seen in the torso, shoulder, arms and hands. Sometimes numbness in the organs is also found in this condition. In case of lower back or lumber Congenital Spinal Stenosis, the symptoms appear in the calves, thighs, buttocks or feet. Pain and numbness may be there in these organs.

Scoliosis means an abnormal condition of the spine. In this situation you will find a curve in the spine, which is abnormal. It may not result in pain but it can easily affect other parts of the body. It may hamper the normal workings of the organs in human body. These abnormal curves are visible from the behind of the body. This hampers the daily life of the patient.

In general it does not need treatment except check up. But if the pain is too much, then you may need to go to a doctor for surgery or you may need a brace for support.

Girls are more prone to scoliosis. It is hereditary. It is mostly found in children. Only sometimes, it may appear in the adults.

Acquired Spinal Stenosis

As the name suggests, Acquired Spinal Stenosis is acquired. It is not present at birth. It develops later as the age progresses.
It happens because of tissue destruction by any disease. It may also be caused by the immune system of the body, which sometimes attacks its own cells under the influence of a disease. According to doctors the two major causes of Acquired Spinal Stenosis are

Osteoarthritis - due to osteoarthritis or joint tissue degeneration, Acquired Spinal Stenosis may develop later in the patient.
Birth defects - In case of birth defects, Acquired Spinal Stenosis may happen.

Other causes of Acquired Spinal Stenosis may be

Spondylolisthesis or problem in the alignment of the vertebrae
Paget's disease or such destruction of bone tissue
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

Cauda Equine Syndrome

This condition is the extreme condition of nerve compression and nerve inflammation. It happens when the nerves are compressed in the lower spinal canal. This is indeed a very serious condition. It can cause problem with your bladder and bowel. It may also result in paralysis of the legs. Surgical procedure is necessary to cure such condition.