Spinal Stenosis vs. Herniated Disc: How to Tell the Difference

Back and neck pain are common, affecting almost everyone at some point in their lives. Most cases are temporary and due to minor conditions like overwork or poor posture.

When back pain is serious, two of the more frequently diagnosed causes are spinal stenosis and herniated discs. 

Both issues can cause pain and other symptoms resulting from nerve compression, but they develop for different reasons and sometimes affect different people. 

At Coast Neurosurgical Associates in Long Beach, California, we’re ready to help. In this month’s blog, we’ll look at the similarities and differences between spinal stenosis and herniated discs. 

Spinal stenosis

Nerves branch off the spinal cord and radiate out to your body via passageways through the spinal column, in and around the vertebrae. If anything blocks or narrows these passageways, pressure on nerve tissue can result, causing nerve pain or other symptoms. 

Spinal stenosis is most often caused by: 

• Age-related degeneration of tissue
• Arthritis
• Calcium deposits (bone spurs) 
• Thickening of ligaments

Usually, stenosis affects adults over 50, and most of the time, the problems develop gradually. 

Herniated discs

Between the bones of the spine are cushioning discs that act as shock absorbers and spacers. These discs have a jelly donut-like construction, a tough outer shell, and a softer inner gel. As you get older, the discs dry out somewhat and become thinner and more brittle.

Disc degeneration, repeated strain, and other injuries can cause a disc to rupture, causing pain from nerves in the disc itself or from the inner gel pressing on nerve roots. Herniated discs can develop slowly or suddenly, generally affecting people between the ages of 30 and 50. 

Common symptoms

Stenosis and herniation can each cause pain originating in the back or neck. Other common symptoms include: 

• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• Pain that radiates along the path of the affected nerve
• Muscle weakness

The effects of the problem may interfere with your ability to perform everyday tasks or move normally. 

Spinal stenosis signs

It’s more common to experience heaviness in your legs, accompanied by numbness or pain when spinal stenosis is the reason for your back pain. These symptoms may improve when you rest, such as sitting or leaning forward. 

Doctors watch for something called the “shopping cart sign,” which is common among patients with spinal stenosis who find relief by leaning on a shopping cart. Spinal stenosis often affects both legs and usually progresses slowly. 

Signs of a herniated disc

You’re more likely to have a herniated disc if your symptoms affect one side only. Sharp, electrical-style pain is more common with herniation, and this pain may radiate into your arm or leg, depending on where the disc problem is. 

Sitting for long periods can aggravate the effects, and you may feel pain when you cough or sneeze. 

Regardless of the cause or type of pain you’re experiencing, contact Coast Neurosurgical Associates when it’s interfering with your life. Call or click to book an appointment today.