What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal which leads to compression of the spinal nerve roots or the spinal cord. The two types of stenosis are lumbar and cervical. In both cases these symptoms are similar.
This medical condition is more likely to occur as people get older as the vertebral discs become smaller and drier as fluid dries up or by a spinal injury which causes nerve compression. Many victims who suffer from stenosis can’t work due to the pain experienced in their back and legs and their inability to walk without assistance or stand for long periods.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
The following are the possible symptoms of spinal stenosis:
- muscle weakness in the legs and arms;
- loss of deep tendon reflexes (DTR);
- numbness and pain in the legs, back and buttocks.
Spinal stenosis often occurs as the result of another back problem which could include any of the following:
- herniated disks which is when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing;
- thickened ligaments which take place as you get older are usually called hypertrophy which often progresses into a hardening of the ligaments known as ossification;
- bone spurs on the spine which is joint damage linked to osteoarthritis;
- tumors on the spinal cord are growths that develops within the spinal canal or within the bones of the spine;
- rheumatoid arthritis which affects the lining of the joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity;.
- spinal injuries can result from damage to the vertebrae, ligaments or disks of the spinal column or to the spinal cord itself;
- ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can cause some of the bones in the spine to fuse;
- achondroplasia, which is a form of short-limbed dwarfism. The word achondroplasia literally means "without cartilage formation." Cartilage is a tough but flexible tissue that makes up much of the skeleton during early development.
- congenital spinal stenosis, which is a condition when a person is born with a small spinal canal. A further congenital spinal deformity that can put a person at risk for spinal stenosis is scoliosis which is an abnormally shaped spine.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Spinal Stenosis
To diagnose spinal stenosis, a doctor will ask about signs and symptoms and conduct a medical exam. This will determine if you are able to work while you are suffering from spinal stenosis.
Because spinal stenosis is a serious and painful medical condition and is typically a permanent disability it can easily impact a person’s daily activities and prevent an individual from working. If you have severe pain in your back and legs and you can't walk effectively or stand for long periods, you have a good chance of getting disability benefits.
Fill Out a Free Case Evaluation
If you wish to qualify for disability benefits, it’s best to work with a disability lawyer who can work hard on your behalf to get the disability benefits you deserve. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation on this page to get connected to an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website.
