Spinal stenosis

19 important questions on Spinal stenosis

WHAT IS SPINAL STENOSIS?

Degenerative narrowing of the spinal canal producing posture-dependent neurogenic claudication.

What is the definition of radicular pain?

Radicular pain is pain perceived in a dermatomal distribution due to nerve root irritation.

What are the characteristics of radicular pain?

Radicular pain involves:
  • Pain only
  • Caused by chemical irritation or compression of a nerve root
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What are the clinical features of radicular pain?

Clinical features include:
  • Sharp, shooting, electric pain
  • Follows a dermatomal pattern
  • Worse with:
    • Coughing, sneezing, straining
    • Flexion (lumbar disc)
  • No objective neurological deficit

What is an important exam pearl regarding radicular pain?

Radicular pain can exist without nerve damage.

What are the characteristics of radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy involves:
  • Nerve root dysfunction
  • Pain with neurological deficit

What are the clinical features of radiculopathy?

Clinical features include:
  • Dermatomal sensory loss
  • Myotomal weakness
  • Reduced or absent reflexes
  • ± radicular pain

What is an important exam pearl regarding radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy = signs, not just symptoms.

What is the side-by-side APC table feature for radicular pain?

For radicular pain:
  • Pain: ✅ Present
  • Sensory loss: ❌ No
  • Motor weakness: ❌ No
  • Reflex changes: ❌ No
  • Objective signs: ❌
  • Severity: Symptom-based

What is the side-by-side APC table feature for radiculopathy?

For radiculopathy:
  • Pain: ± Present
  • Sensory loss: ✅ Yes
  • Motor weakness: ✅ Yes
  • Reflex changes: ✅ Yes
  • Objective signs: ✅
  • Severity: Neurological

What is a common trap regarding leg pain?

Leg pain does not equal radiculopathy.
  • Leg pain with deficit = radiculopathy

What is a common misconception about pain severity?

Severe pain does not indicate severe nerve damage.
  • Pain severity ≠ nerve damage

What is an example of radicular pain?

Example 1:
  • Sharp L5 dermatomal leg pain
  • Normal strength, sensation, reflexes
➡️ Radicular pain

What are the investigation and management implications for radicular pain?

For radicular pain:
  • Often improves with conservative care
  • Imaging not urgent

What are the investigation and management implications for radiculopathy?

For radiculopathy:
  • Needs closer monitoring
  • Progressive weakness → urgent referral

What is the rapid-fire question regarding pain only?

Pain only?Radicular pain

What is the rapid-fire question regarding objective deficit?

Objective deficit required?Radiculopathy

Can radiculopathy exist without pain?

Yes, radiculopathy can exist without pain.

What is the final exam-perfect statement regarding radicular pain and radiculopathy?

Radicular pain refers to dermatomal pain from nerve root irritation without neurological deficit, whereas radiculopathy denotes objective sensory, motor, or reflex impairment due to nerve root dysfunction.

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