Congenital Narrowing

About Congenital Narrowing

Although congenital narrowing usually affects patients older than forty, congenital narrowing is an innate medical condition that can present in patients as young as thirty years of age. Congenital narrowing is the tightening or narrowing of the canal around the spinal cord (spinal stenosis), a result of spinal canal ligaments thickening and hardening or enlargement of vertebral processes and joints.

Symptoms

The symptoms of congenital narrowing depend on the region of the spine where the nerves are being compressed. Generally nerve compression in the upper (cervical) region of the spine will cause pain or numbness in the neck, shoulders, arms or hands. Nerve compression in the lower (lumbar) region of the spine will cause pain or numbness in the buttocks, thighs, claves, or feet.

Treatment

Conservative treatments for congenital narrowing include anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Surgical treatment techniques include and Discectomy, procedures that are designed to lower the pressure on the spinal cord.