The Dangers of Undiagnosed Spinal Stenosis

Gregg Hollander | April 11, 2022 | Medical Malpractice

Sustaining an injury to your spine is not just painful; it can impact every aspect of your daily life. Seemingly simple tasks like bending down to put your shoes on can become excruciating. 

If a back injury is misdiagnosed or treated the wrong way, you may suffer the consequences for the rest of your life. By not getting the treatment you need, you might experience a decline in health. And your work life might suffer, which could negatively impact your financial situation, adding more stress to your life. 

You should not take a medical condition like spinal stenosis lightly. If a doctor fails to diagnose or treat your spinal stenosis properly, you could suffer more than just physical repercussions.

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within your spine have become narrower. The narrowing can put pressure on your spinal cord and the nerves associated with your vertebrae. Spinal stenosis is usually diagnosed with an MRI or a CT scan.

There are two main classifications of spinal stenosis, and it’s possible to experience multiple forms of the condition. 

Lumbar stenosis is the most common type of spinal stenosis. With lumbar stenosis, the narrowing of the spine happens in your lower back. Cervical stenosis involves the narrowing of the spine at your neck.    

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Age-related wear on the spine often causes spinal stenosis. Medical conditions like osteoarthritis can lead to the development of spinal stenosis over time. Car accidents and other physical injuries can also cause spinal stenosis or worsen the condition if it’s pre-existing. 

Additional medical causes of spinal stenosis include:

  • Herniated or bulging disks
  • Bone spurs
  • Tumors
  • Stiff, thickened ligaments
  • Congenital deformities

If you experience any kind of fracture to your spine, you might eventually suffer from spinal stenosis.

Spinal stenosis can also result from medical malpractice. If a doctor makes a surgical mistake, the spine can become compressed. 

What Are Common Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?

The symptoms of spinal stenosis range in severity and can result in loss of control of your body. 

Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include:

  • Neck and/or back pain
  • Trouble maintaining balance
  • Difficulty walking or remaining upright
  • Numbness in your hands, legs, or feet
  • Incontinence
  • Cramping in the legs and feet while walking or standing

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical assistance. The longer your symptoms persist, the greater the chance of developing a disability from spinal stenosis.  

What Is the Impact of a Spinal Stenosis Diagnosis?

Although spinal stenosis can sneak up on you over time, it can have a significant effect on your life if it goes untreated. The pain from spinal stenosis could reduce your ability to be active and enjoy the quality of life you once had. Simple activities like walking around your neighborhood could start to feel like torture. 

In severe cases, spinal stenosis can cause physical disabilities. The numbness and weakness resulting from spinal stenosis can make it impossible to walk or stand unassisted.

Additionally, the constant pain from spinal stenosis can cause anxiety and other mental health concerns, like depression. 

How Is Spinal Stenosis Treated? 

If detected early, there are remedies for spinal stenosis. But the condition may cause serious deterioration after an extended period of time or if you experience other injuries. It’s crucial to be proactive in your medical care if you have spinal stenosis symptoms.  

Some of the available treatments for spinal stenosis include:

  • Surgery to create more space in the spinal column
  • Medications
  • Injections
  • Physical therapy

You deserve to feel relief from spinal stenosis. If you suspect your neck or back pain could result from spinal stenosis, make sure your doctor is taking the necessary measures to diagnose and treat you before your condition worsens.

Contact Our Medical Malpractice Law Firm in South Florida

If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Florida at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

We proudly serve Palm Beach County, Broward County, and its surrounding areas:

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Boca Raton Law Office
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd #500
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 347-7770

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale Law Office
200 S.E. 6th Street #203
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 287-0566

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – West Palm Beach Law Office
319 Clematis St #203
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 556-7873