WEBVTT

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>> Spinal Stenosis.

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Most people get low back
pain at one time or another.

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Low back pain is a
symptom of a problem.

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One common cause of low back
pain is a condition called

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spinal stenosis.

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Spinal stenosis is a
narrowing of the spaces

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in the backbone,
or spinal column.

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This narrowing can put pressure

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on the spinal cord
or nerve roots.

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The spinal column is
formed by the bones

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of your spine, called vertebrae.

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The vertebrae have
a hollow core.

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When stacked upon each other,
they form a canal that protects

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and supports the spinal cord.

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Nerves, called nerve roots,
branch off from the spinal cord

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through spaces between
the vertebrae and lead

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to different parts of your body.

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With spinal stenosis, the
vertebrae put pressure

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on your spinal cord
or on the nerve roots.

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Spinal stenosis usually
affects the lower back and neck.

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There are 3 ways spinal
stenosis can affect your spine.

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The spinal cord can be
squeezed in the spinal canal.

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The space between
vertebrae can get smaller,

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which puts pressure
on the nerve roots.

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Or the bony canals that
the nerve roots pass

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through can get narrow.

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The most common cause of these
changes is osteoarthritis.

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This is the gradual wear and
tear on joints as we age.

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Other causes include injury to
the spine, a herniated disk,

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tumors, certain bone
diseases, past spine surgery,

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and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Symptoms. Spinal stenosis
sometimes causes lower back pain

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when a person stands or walks.

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Other common symptoms can
include weakness and numbness

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in the legs, often
in the calves.

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This can make it hard to
walk more than a few steps.

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The numbness and pain may go
away if you change position

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and take pressure off the nerve,
such as by bending forward.

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Some people may have a hard
time controlling their bowels

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or bladder.

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Diagnosis.

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Your healthcare provider
will ask

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about your medical
history and symptoms.

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He or she will give
you a physical exam.

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You may have imaging tests
to look at your spine.

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These can include X-rays or
an M-R-I, which uses magnets

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and a computer to create images.

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Or you may have a C-T
scan, which uses a series

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of X-rays put together
with a computer.

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Treatment.

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Treatment for spinal stenosis
can include pain medicines

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such as acetaminophen

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or nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs,

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called NSAIDs.

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These can help relieve
pain and swelling.

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Examples of NSAIDs
include aspirin,

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ibuprofen, and naproxen.

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Physical therapy exercises that
strengthen your back, belly,

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and leg muscles can
help with symptoms.

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Stretching, massage, and use of
a back support may also help.

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Some people may benefit
from acupuncture

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and chiropractic care.

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If you have severe
pain and numbness,

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your healthcare provider
may recommend surgery.

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The most common surgery

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for spinal stenosis is
called a laminectomy.

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During the surgery, a part

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of your vertebra called
the lamina is removed.

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This makes more room
for the nerves.

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Another type of surgery
is called a foraminotomy.

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In this procedure, excess bone

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and other tissue is
removed from the foramen.

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This is the space in the
spine where nerve roots exit.

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This takes pressure
off of the nerve root.

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In some cases, bones

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in the lower back can be fused
together with bone grafts.

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Things to remember.

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Changing position can help
relieve numbness and pain.

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Talk with a spine
surgeon about the risks

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and benefits of surgery.

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Work with your healthcare team

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and take an active
part in your treatment.

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If you don't have
spinal stenosis,

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keep your spine healthy.

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Get regular exercise.

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Practice good posture.

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And keep a healthy weight to
reduce the stress on your back.

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What we have learned.

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Spinal stenosis is a
narrowing of the spinal canal.

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True or false?

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The answer is "true".

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The narrowing puts pressure
on the spinal cord and nerves.

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Spinal stenosis most often
affects the upper back.

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True or false?

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The answer is "false".

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Spinal stenosis affects the
lower back and neck most often.

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Treatment for spinal
stenosis includes medicine

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and physical therapy.

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True or false?

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The answer is "true".

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In some cases, surgery
may be an option

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when these treatments
do not work.

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