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What does it mean when your vertebrae are close together?
Spinal stenosis — also called vertebral stenosis — is a condition in which spaces in your spine become too narrow (the term “stenosis” refers to narrowing of any passage in the body). As a result, bones or other parts of the spine start pressing on your spinal cord and other nerves.
What happens when you have no disc between vertebrae?
If the bone spurs compress the spinal cord, affected individuals can develop problems with walking and bladder and bowel control. Over time, a degenerating disc may break down completely and leave no space between vertebrae, which can result in impaired movement, pain, and nerve damage.
What does it mean when you have a gap in your spine?
For most people, stenosis results from changes caused by arthritis. As the spinal canal narrows, the open spaces between your vertebrae start to get smaller. The tightness can pinch the spinal cord or the nerves around it, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in your legs, arms, or torso.
What is the gap between vertebrae called?
Intervertebral Disc The intervertebral discs are flat, round “cushions” that act as shock absorbers between each vertebra in your spine. There is one disc between each vertebra. Each disc has a strong outer ring of fibers called the annulus, and a soft, jelly-like center called the nucleus pulposus.
Can you live with spondylolisthesis without surgery?
Most patients will not need any surgical treatment as long as their spondylolisthesis is stable, meaning the vertebra is not slipping forward any more. Your spine specialist most likely will want to monitor your spondylolisthesis at regular intervals.
What causes a weak spine?
One of the most common causes of spinal cord compression is the gradual wear and tear on the bones of the spine, known as osteoarthritis. People who develop spinal cord compression from this are usually older than 50.
Is spondylolisthesis serious?
Spondylolisthesis is a common cause of back pain, but it is not dangerous and doesn’t need to take over your life. Many treatments are available, from medication and physical therapy to spinal surgery.
Can spondylolysis cause paralysis?
Potential complications Medical intervention is crucial for relieving symptoms of spondylolisthesis. This condition can cause chronic pain and permanent damage if left untreated. You may eventually experience weakness and leg paralysis if nerves have been damaged. Infection of the spine may also occur in rare cases.
How do you get a space between your vertebrae?
Spinal decompression works by helping to alleviate pressure on your joints and nerves. This is done by increasing the space between your vertebrae or between your vertebrae and nerves. By “pulling” in the opposite direction of gravity to increase space and decrease pressure we are able to help alleviate our symptoms.