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Conditions and Diseases > Orthopedics Forum > Pathology of spinal stenosis
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Q: Pathology of spinal stenosis
asked by: DoctorQuestion on June 28th, 2009
I am 37 year old male in relatively good health as far as I know. I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in my lumbar and cervical spine approximately two years ago. I have a slipped disc at L5-S1 and a bulging disc with bone spurs at C5-C6. I suffer from unilateral arm pain and leg pain in addition to my chronic back pain. Recently I noticed that my arms and legs appear to have gotten skinnier. I haven't lost any weight, so that is what has me perplexed. I did some research on the internet regarding spinal stenosis and I did find some information stating that one of the complications from the condition is muscle wasting. Has anyone else with spinal stenosis experienced this muscle wasting? Does anybody know if there is a correlation between spinal stenosis and muscle atrophy? Also, does anyone know if this means that the condition is getting worse? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


Andy


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Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD
replied on July 2nd, 2009
Orthopedics Answer A6890

Spinal stenosis is a disorder in which the spinal canal narrows, thus putting pressure on the spinal cord and the spinal nerves. The condition is most often caused by the aging degeneration process in the vertebrae and is most common in older people. Disc herniation might also cause it. The symptoms related to this condition originate from the nerves and might include: pain in the lower back or buttocks, and in more severe cases, numbness and paresthesia (abnormal sensations).


As for the muscle atrophy correlation with the spinal stenosis, the following can be stated: the nerves responsible for the muscles might also be affected, which would result in muscle weakness and decreased endurance. This might initiate avoidance of movement which might, after a long period, result in muscle tissue wasting away.

Please note that the muscle itself is not affected by the disorder and can stay in good shape with adequate exercises or physical therapy. You might want to visit an orthopedist and consult whether the muscle wasting you noticed might be caused by the spinal stenosis.




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