What’s Spinal Stenosis, And Why Is My Back Plotting Against Me? By Dr. Phinit Phisitkul
So, your back has decided to make getting out of bed in the morning feel like an Olympic event. Congrats, you might be dealing with spinal stenosis! Dr. Phinit Phisitkul, who knows a thing or two about stubborn spines, would explain that spinal stenosis is when the spaces in your spine start to narrow, putting the squeeze on your nerves. The result? Pain, numbness, and that lovely tingling sensation that makes you feel like your body is hosting a pinball machine.
Why Is My Spine Doing This?
Now, you’re probably wondering why your spine has turned into a drama queen. Dr. Phinit Phisitkul points out that spinal stenosis often comes with the territory of aging—because, of course, your body likes to keep things interesting.
As you get older, wear and tear on your spine can cause the discs to shrink, the ligaments to thicken, and bones to overgrow (hello, bone spurs!). All this adds up to less room for your nerves to hang out, leading to that fun mix of pain and stiffness that makes you question every move you make.
How To Get Your Spine Back On Track
So, what’s the plan for dealing with spinal stenosis? Dr. Phinit Phisitkul suggests starting with conservative treatments like physical therapy, which can help strengthen the muscles around your spine and improve flexibility. Anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections can also help reduce pain and inflammation.
But if your spine is really throwing a fit, surgery might be on the table to create more space for those cramped nerves. The good news? With the right treatment, you can get back to living life without feeling like your spine is conspiring against you. So, hang in there—your back might be a bit of a diva, but with a little TLC, it can still be the star of the show!
