Complications and Dangers of Untreated Spinal Stenosis

Untreated spinal stenosis can lead to a variety of complications and dangers, including:

• Chronic pain: Spinal stenosis can cause chronic pain that can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
• Numbness and Weakness: Pressure on the nerves and spinal cord can cause numbness and weakness in the affected area.
• Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: In severe cases, spinal stenosis can cause loss of bladder or bowel control, which can be a medical emergency.
• Paralysis: In rare cases, spinal stenosis can lead to paralysis if the spinal cord is severely compressed for an extended period of time.
• Increased Risk of Falls: Numbness and weakness caused by spinal stenosis can increase the risk of falls, which can lead to further injury or complications.

Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available for spinal stenosis, including medication, physical therapy, and surgery.

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