Dr Colum Nolan
Senior Consultant Spine & Neurosurgeon
MB, BCh, BAO, LRCPSI, MRCSI, FRCSI (Neurosurgery)
As we age, changes in spinal health become increasingly common. One of the most frequent age-related conditions is spinal stenosis, which typically affects the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine), where mobility is greatest.
Spinal stenosis occurs when spaces within the spinal canal narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. This can lead to pain, inflammation and other symptoms that affect daily function.
Here are five key facts about spinal stenosis to help you better understand and manage this condition.
1. Spinal Stenosis Has Different Types
Spinal stenosis is classified into two main types, based on its location within the spine:
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
This occurs in the neck region and may cause symptoms, such as pain, stiffness and numbness in the shoulder, arms and hands. In addition to neck pain, cervical spinal stenosis may cause problems with coordination and fine motor skills, particularly in severe cases.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
This is the most common form of spinal stenosis that affects the lower back. Symptoms may include numbness or a prickling sensation in the legs and difficulty walking long distances.
2. Its Symptoms Can Range from Mild to Severe
The symptoms of spinal stenosis can range from mild discomfort to severe impairment, depending on the degree of nerve compression. Mild to moderate cases often involve intermittent pain, muscle weakness, or occasional numbness and tingling.
In severe cases, symptoms can escalate to difficulty walking or maintaining balance, or even loss of sensation in the affected areas. A more serious symptom is a loss of bladder or bowel control, which is a medical emergency known as cauda equina syndrome.
3. Spinal Stenosis Can Be Asymptomatic
Spinal stenosis is often associated with degenerative changes like arthritis, but not everyone with the condition experiences noticeable symptoms. In many cases, it develops gradually, and the body naturally adapts to the changes. Symptoms are often relieved by certain positions, such as sitting or bending forward, which temporarily reduce pressure on the spinal nerves.
Because of this slow progression and intermittent relief, spinal stenosis can remain undetected until the narrowing becomes severe enough to significantly impact mobility or nerve function.
4. It Is Most Commonly Caused by Ageing
The primary cause of spinal stenosis is the natural ageing process, which leads to degenerative changes in the spine. Osteoarthritis, commonly referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis, is the most frequent underlying cause. This condition results in the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to bone-on-bone contact and the formation of bone spurs or herniated discs.
Moreover, a family history of spinal conditions may increase the risk of spinal stenosis, while lifestyle factors such as poor posture or obesity can exacerbate the condition and result in poor spinal support.
5. Not Everyone Needs Surgery
Many patients with spinal stenosis tend to respond well to conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, physiotherapy and epidural injections. Many also find temporary relief by leaning forward while walking or sitting, as this position helps create more space within the spinal canal and reduces pressure on the nerves.
Surgery, such as a laminectomy or spinal fusion, is typically considered only for severe cases where symptoms severely impact daily activities or cause neurological complications. Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on your specific symptoms and diagnostic results.
When Should You See a Doctor?
It is important to seek medical evaluation if you are experiencing persistent back or neck issues that do not improve with rest. You should also see a doctor if you have numbness in your limbs, difficulty with balance or daily activities, or, in severe cases, a loss of bladder or bowel control.
Early diagnosis of spinal stenosis can help improve the chances of managing symptoms effectively. This allows patients to maintain an active and independent lifestyle while reducing the risk of potential complications.
Reach out to us to schedule a consultation with our spine doctor, Dr Colum Nolan, today.
Our Spine Specialist in Singapore
Dr Colum Nolan
Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon
MB, BCh, BAO, LRCPSI, MRCSI, FRCSI (Neurosurgery)
Dr Colum Nolan is a Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon and the Medical Director of Oxford Spine & Neurosurgery Centre. He undertook specialist neurosurgery training in Ireland and Australia, and later on completed a complex spine surgery fellowship at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, UK.
Dr Column held key leadership roles including Director of the Spine and Spinal Disorders Programme at the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), as well as the Head of Neurosurgery Service at Sengkang General Hospital.
With his depth of experience, Dr Colum is committed to guiding each patient towards the safest and most effective treatment for their needs.
