Spinal stenosis in the neck can cause: Numbness Tingling or weakness in a hand, leg, foot or arm Problems with walking and balance Neck pain Problems with the bowel or bladder Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Nerves roots are the initial segment of a bundle of nerve fibers that come off the spinal cord and exit the spinal column through side spaces between the vertebrae called the neural foramen. There is no cure for lumbar spinal stenosis, but you have many treatment choices. privacy practices. Back pain is a very common ailment and is most likely related to a musculoskeletal issue. Definition & facts for constipation. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. However, you can take certain measures to lower your risk or slow the progression, including: Also keep in mind that although there is no cure for spinal stenosis, its symptoms can be successfully managed with the nonsurgical or surgical options discussed in this article. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Lower back pain and diarrhea are common and tend to be unrelated. In addition to leg pain, numbness can occur in your arms. The Neurological Institute is a leader in treating and researching the most complex neurological disorders and advancing innovations in neurology. Is there a link between back pain and incontinence? This narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. When you bear down to poop, you raise the pressure in your spinal column, technically called the intrathecal pressure. Ask your healthcare provider if you should try any nutritional supplements and discuss any alternative treatments or medicines youre thinking about trying. More serious symptoms include: Difficulty or poor balance when walking Problems controlling urine or bowel movements Exams and Tests Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! Constipation. Usually a patient with spinal stenosis has more pain when standing upright or walking with relief when bending forward. As a result, signals are sent to the anus lining, which contracts and pushes the bowel out. Brandon Callahan, MD is a board-certified orthopedic physician with a decade of experience in providing comprehensive orthopedic care to patients with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. You will have imaging tests to examine your spine and determine the exact location, type and extent of the problem. What helps leg pain from spinal stenosis? How likely is it that sudden lower back pain and constipation are due to a form of cancer? So can rubbing with dry toilet paper. What are the final stages of spinal stenosis? Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. Fecal incontinence may happen with other bowel problems, such as: See your health care provider if you or your child develops fecal incontinence. Mayo Clinic. WebSpinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spaces in your spine, can compress your spinal cord and nerve roots exiting each vertebrae. Learn the difference between laxatives and stool softeners here. for Neurogenic bladder and bowel management, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. If youve had a laminectomy, you will likely be able to go back to work at a desk job within a few days of returning home. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2015. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. spinal stenosis can result in paralysis, loss of bladder control, and even death if not treated. A laminectomy is usually performed first and bone removed during this procedure is used to create a bridge between two vertebrae, which stimulates new bone growth. WebSpinal stenosis happens when the spaces in the spine narrow and create pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. It is one of the most common causes of aging-related conditions. Sacral nerve damage can also cause problems with the muscles and organs associated with the pelvic floor, including the anal sphincter and the pelvic floor muscles. What type of pain does spinal stenosis cause? Women have a higher risk of developing spinal stenosis than men. The muscle or nerve damage may be associated with aging or with giving birth. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Failure of the bone to heal after surgery. Interspinous spacers are a novel and innovative treatment option for spinal spinal cord compression. Aging can also lead to increased incidences of lower back pain and constipation. Cervical stenosis, myelopathy and radiculopathy. 2020; doi:10.1007/s11894-020-00791-1. In some cases, it can also affect bowel movements. The procedure involves removing bone or tissue this area to provide more space for the nerve roots. Constipation can occur as a result of this. 11th ed. It makes the space within the spinal canal bigger by creating a hinge on the lamina. 2023 Brandon Orthopedics | All Right Reserved, Spinal Stenosis Is A Serious Condition That Requires Ongoing Treatment Chronic Back Pain: Spinal Stenosis, After Shoulder Arthroscopy: What To Expect, The Truth About Spinal Stenosis: Causes Symptoms And Treatments, Can Years Of Surfing Contribute To Spinal Stenosis, The Effects Of Spinal Stenosis And Carpal Tunnel, Should I Apply Ice Or Heat To A Compression Fracture, How Does A Soft Bed Prevent Healing Of Herniated Disc, Herniated Discs: How To Sleep Without Worrying About Rupturing Your Discs, If You Have A Herniated Disc You Know The Excruciating Pain It Can Cause. Digestion may be difficult if you have a spinal cord injury, compressed or herniation disks, or a strained ligaments. Chronic constipation may cause a dry, hard mass of stool to form in the rectum and become too large to pass. Conservative treatments such as pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medicines, ice or heat, and physical therapy may be enough to relieve pain for a period of time. The spinal disks become drier and start to bulge. The spacers help keep the vertebrae apart creating more space for nerves. The muscles in the lower leg may become loose if the injury is level T11/T12 or lower, resulting in stool incontinence. To use the body Spinal stenosis usually occurs as a person ages, however, some patients are born with less space for their spinal cord. There are nerves carrying motor commands from the brain to the muscle and nerves carrying sensations up to the brain. Symptoms include back and/or neck pain, and numbness, tingling and weakness in your arms and legs. Spinal stenosis in the neck can cause: Numbness Tingling or weakness in a hand, leg, foot or arm Problems with walking and balance Neck pain Problems with the bowel or bladder Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic From Mayo Clinic to your inbox The pain tends to come and go, but it usually does not progress with time. Acupuncture and chiropractic care may also be helpful for some people. Can stomach problems cause lower back pain? Avoid engaging in any exercise or activity that causes you pain. Severe or increasing numbness between your legs, inner thighs, or back of your legs, Severe pain and weakness that spreads into one or both legs, making it hard to walk or get out of a chair. The natural history with spinal stenosis, in the majority of patients, is that of episodic periods of pain and dysfunction. (2016). Signs and symptoms of neurogenic bladder may include: Loss of bladder control Inability to empty the bladder Urinary frequency Urinary tract infections. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. When these nerves are damaged or disrupted, it can lead to problems with these functions. In more severe cases, you may If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? Each vertebrae has a round front portion (the body), a central ring-shaped opening (the spinal canal), flat bony areas (facet joints) where one vertebrae comes into contact with others above and below it, and bone sections along the sides (transverse processes) and back (laminae). This is due to the nerves control over these areas. This condition gets in the way of your normal ability to store and get rid of waste. Difficult breathing due to difficulty in swallowing. Yes, a back injury can affect bowel movements. It runs down the spine to the bottom of the feet and is made up of nerves from the pelvic region. Constipation. Osteoporosis. A variety of spinal cord injuries, herniation disks, tumors, and ankylosing spondylosis are all possible causes of digestive problems. There are a few ways in which spinal stenosis can affect bowel movements. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. An injury to the spinal cord, like that of an neurogenic bladder, has a variety of effects. Avoid movements that twist or strain the back. Difficulty walking (br) One or more of the legs may have numbness or tingling. Problems controlling urine or bowel movements; Exams and Tests. Paraplegia and/or incontinence of the bladder/bowel are uncommon occurrences in rare cases of severe spinal stenosis. Interspinous process spaces: This is a minimally invasive surgery for some people with lumbar spinal stenosis. The healing process takes six months to one year. Lower back pain and constipation can be symptoms of a single condition but are often unrelated. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to get medical attention right away: To diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis, yourhealthcare providerwill ask you questions about your symptoms and do a complete physical exam. Soap can dry and irritate the skin. Repeated straining during bowel movements. Examples include celiac, Back pain and incontinence can occur at the same time due to a single underlying condition, such as cauda equina syndrome. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis. Healthcare professionals recommend supportive treatment, Treatment will depend on the condition affecting the liver. You may also have pain or numbness in your legs. There are a few ways in which spinal stenosis can affect bowel movements. As a result of a spinal cord injury or a nerve disease, a narrowing of the spinal cord may occur, which prevents blood and spinal fluid from flowing properly. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. The pain occurs when the mass of feces presses on the nerves in the lower back, called the sacral nerves. The most common cause of spinal stenosis is aging, but it can also be caused by injuries, tumors, or birth defects. Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may also relieve pain. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Constipation. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/recur_metast/metastic/bone, https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/bowel-problems/types/constipation/causes, https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/bowel-problems/types/chronic-constipation, https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/constipation, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/definition-facts, https://creakyjoints.org/about-arthritis/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-symptoms/fibromyalgia-back-pain/, https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis, https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6526158/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30843436/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441888/, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7573391/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4846465/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4325863/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4514689/, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/symptoms-causes, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/liver-cancer/treating.html, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/treating.html, https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/about-crohns-and-colitis/treatments, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/treatment, https://gi.org/topics/constipation-and-defection-problems/, https://www.hepb.org/blog/when-is-that-pain-hep-b-related-and-when-is-it-something-else/. In more severe cases, you may Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Soap can dry and irritate the skin. Your spine (or backbone) is a stack or column of 24 bones (vertebrae) plus the fused bones of the sacrum and coccyx. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. Soap can dry and irritate the skin. For example, treatment for liver cancer, irritable bowel syndrome and irritable bowel disease, medications that have constipation as a side effect. Assessing anorectal function in constipation and fecal incontinence. Often, people are too embarrassed to tell a provider about fecal incontinence. This pain, however, is usually a gradually worsening pain. Signs and symptoms of neurogenic bladder may include: Loss of bladder control Inability to empty the bladder Urinary frequency Urinary tract infections. Spinal stenosis occurs when compression in the spine causes pain, numbness, and weakness, usually in the legs. Sometimes, the cause of lower back pain can lead to constipation. Normally, the cross sectional area of the dural sac at the narrowest point is normal, but if it is more than 100 mm2, it is considered severely stenotic. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. WebA spinal cord injury or a nerve disease may damage the nerves that help control the lower part of your colon. CARF International. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spaces in your spine, can compress your spinal cord and nerve roots exiting each vertebrae. The spinal disks become drier and start to bulge. Follows a fall, blow to the back or other injury. You will be given pain medications and/or NSAIDs to reduce pain and swelling. Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal bones start to narrow, usually due to injury or aging. McGraw-Hill; Accessed 8/4/2020. Symptoms include back and/or neck pain, and numbness, tingling and weakness in your arms and legs. Pain, numbness, tingling and or weakness at or below the level of the abdomen. Cameron AM, et al. Age-related changes in your spine is a common cause. This is called passive incontinence. It is usually normal for the cross-sectional area of the dural sac at the narrowest point to be greater than 100 mm2, but if it is greater than this, it is moderately stenotic. There are a few ways in which spinal stenosis can affect bowel movements. WebA spinal cord injury or a nerve disease may damage the nerves that help control the lower part of your colon. The vertebrae are held together with screws, rods, hooks or wires until the vertebrae heal and grow together. A practical guide to biofeedback therapy for pelvic floor disorders. Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways. Your pain is caused by pressure on the spinal cord. Full recovery after surgery for spinal stenosis and return to normal activities typically takes three months and possibly longer for spinal fusion, depending partially on the complexity of your surgery and your progress in rehabilitation. Most people who undergo spinal stenosis surgery achieve good to excellent results with pain relief. Ask your provider if you need to stop taking any non-essential medications, supplements or herbal remedies that you may be taking that could react with anesthesia. This is the area of the body where waste exits. Pain will go away with rest but you may have to specifically sit down to ease the leg pain. Your symptoms are intolerable, you no longer have the quality of life you desire and you cant do or enjoy everyday life activities. Spinal stenosis usually occurs as a person ages, however, some patients are born with less space for their spinal cord. To relieve anal discomfort and eliminate any possible odor associated with fecal incontinence: Wash with water. As a result, pressure is applied to the nerves and spinal cord, causing back and lower body pain. Keep your lower back as healthy as possible by maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good body mechanics, and getting regular exercise. However, it is important to note that these are less likely to cause constipation, and anyone who has concerns should contact a doctor. Repeated straining during bowel movements. Physical therapy can help you alleviate lower back pain while also assisting you in finding relief from your pain. What can cause both lower back pain and diarrhea? The narrowing of the spinal canal or the side canals that protect the nerves often results in a pinching of the nerve root of the spinal cord. This condition is called cauda equina syndrome when it occurs in the lumbar spine region, and is considered to be a surgical emergency. Feldman M, et al., eds. Bladder function. This is why it is especially important to see your healthcare provider right away if you experience numbness or weakness in your arms or legs. When the bowel is taught to move properly, accidents are avoided. In addition, the condition may affect the digestive system. Sacral nerves are represented by the bladder and bowel external sphincters, as well as the bladder and bowel internal organs. Gently wash the area with water after each bowel movement. Age-related changes in your spine is a common cause. This is known as stool impaction. Other conditions that affect the spine, such as scoliosis, or injury to the spine can put you at risk for developing spinal stenosis. Foraminotomy: The foramen is the area in the vertebrae where the nerve roots exit. Neurogenic bladder? https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Spinal stenosis can occur anywhere along the spine but most commonly occurs in two areas: Lumbar canal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal or the tunnels through which nerves and other structures communicate with that canal. Ami TR. Accessed Oct. 8, 2020. You might be able to reduce your pain and improve your walking ability with the assistance of a physical therapist. He is the founder and main author of brandonorthopedics.com, a website that offers valuable resources, tips, and advice for patients looking to learn more about orthopedic treatments and physiotherapy. The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons states that growths and tumors in the colon can also cause constipation. In: Current Surgical Therapy. You may or may not have symptoms when spinal stenosis first develops. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. But some people's symptoms stay the same or get worse after This is called urge incontinence. Bowel control problems (Fecal incontinence). A small drill is used to insert a doughnut-shaped spacer into the vertebrae between the vertebrae. A chiropractor to manipulate your spine and related muscles, ligaments and bones. WebSpinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spaces in your spine, can compress your spinal cord and nerve roots exiting each vertebrae. BMC Surgery. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. This surgery is done only on spinal bones in the neck. Your physical therapist will develop an individualized exercise plan to stretch and strengthen muscles to support your back and stabilize your spine. Walking distances may become difficult or you may need to lean forward to relieve pressure on your lower back as a result of your lumbar spinal stenosis. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that comes out of the base of the brain and runs down the center of the spine. This can happen due to a tumor or growth. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs. Bone metastasis: Symptoms and diagnosis. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. pain in one or both of your legs. Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spaces in your spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. The NIDDK recommends that a person sees a doctor right away if they have lower back pain and constipation together or experiences frequent bouts of constipation or unexplained instances of lower back pain. Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal bones start to narrow, usually due to injury or aging. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Treatment usually starts with nonsurgical options and may move to surgical options if other methods no longer relieve your pain. However, talk with your healthcare provider about surgical options when: Surgery options involve removing portions of bone, bony growths on facet joints or disks that are crowding the spinal canal and pinching spinal nerves. WebSpinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal column that causes pressure on the spinal cord, or narrowing of the openings (called neural foramina) where spinal nerves leave the spinal column. You will likely be encouraged to get up and walk as soon as possible. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spine that happens gradually over time. People with multiple sclerosis or spina bifida might have similar problems. Symptoms of lower back (lumbar) spinal stenosis include: Symptoms of neck (cervical) spinal stenosis include: Symptoms of abdomen (thoracic) spinal stenosis include: While the narrowing of the spine can cause pain, it usually doesnt cause paralysis. In less serious cases, there are several things that a person can do at home to relieve constipation and lower back pain when they occur together: If symptoms remain despite home treatments, a person should contact a doctor. Younger people who are born with a narrow spinal canal can also have spinal stenosis. An infection of the urinary tract. This narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. As a result, the cerebrum allows you to regulate bowel movements. Age-related changes in your spine is a common cause. If these nerves are damaged, they can cause an obstruction in bowel control. First, spinal stenosis develops slowly over time, so you may not have symptoms even though changes are occurring in your spine. If something damages or interferes with the extrinsic nerve supply to the stomach, it can cause symptoms such as herniations or protruding disks. Spinal stenosis in the neck can cause: Numbness Tingling or weakness in a hand, leg, foot or arm Problems with walking and balance Neck pain Problems with the bowel or bladder Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Lower back pain is widespread and usually resolves without treatment. Spinal stenosis can happen in any part of your spine but is most common in the lower back. But the sooner you're evaluated, the sooner you may find some relief from your symptoms. This is especially important if it happens a lot, is severe or causes emotional distress. Multiple sclerosis. Chronic lower back pain usually lasts for 12 weeks or longer. So can rubbing with dry toilet paper. As a result, a pinching sensation occurs, which causes pain, cramping, weakness, or numbness in the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. Is accompanied by a fever. Because the lower spine contains sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, which are directly connected to the digestive system, interference directly affects these nerves. How does vagus nerve affect bowel movements? At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. If the symptoms are severe or persist beyond a few weeks, a person should contact a doctor. There are nerves carrying motor commands from the brain to the muscle and nerves carrying sensations up to the brain. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can occur in any section of the spine. Pettit PD (expert opinion). The colon and rectum, despite their different spinal pathways, are both innervating due to the involvement of the splanchnic and sacral pelvic nerves. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spaces in your spine, can compress your spinal cord and nerve roots exiting each vertebrae. All rights reserved. Your normal ability to store and dispose of waste is hampered as a result of this condition. Its important to go to your doctor or an emergency room immediately if the symptoms appear. The nerves become increasingly irritated as the diameter of the canal becomes narrower. Long-lasting constipation. The doctor may prescribe medication to ensure that your bowel movements are consistent and at the right time. Severely pinched nerves in certain parts of the spine can even cause loss of bowel and bladder control. Laminotomy: This is a partial laminectomy. Repeated straining during bowel movements. So can rubbing with dry toilet paper. Brandon Callahan, MD is a board-certified orthopedic physician with a decade of experience in providing comprehensive orthopedic care to patients with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. Additionally, using an ice pack may ease pain before and after exercise. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that comes out of the base of the brain and runs down the center of the spine. Cauda equina syndrome is a condition that develops in the lumbar spine and is classified as a surgical emergency due to it. However, if constipation and lower back pain occur together, a person should contact a doctor. People with multiple sclerosis or spina bifida might have similar problems. Abrams GM, et al. A spinal cord injury sometimes interrupts communication between the brain and the nerves in the spinal cord that control bladder and bowel function. The hypogastric nerve sends out sympathetic innervation from the L1, L2, and L3 spinal segments to the lower colon, rectum, and sphincters. If you have lumbar spinal stenosis, you may be unable to walk or may need to lean forward to relieve lower back pressure. For this, a bowel program should be carried out on the toilet. Obeseness of the bowels is accompanied by abnormal bowel movements or loss of bowel control. Narayanan SP, et al. Generally no because the most common causes of spinal stenosis is normal age-related wear and tear on the bones and structures of the spine. Age-related changes in your spine is a common cause. The sacral spinal cord is the most primitive of the spinal cords. No relief of symptoms/return of symptoms. What they share in common is that they change the structure of the spine, causing a narrowing of the space around your spinal cord and nerves roots that exit through the spine. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the stenosis and its effects on the quality of your life. A sudden and severe increase in blood pressure is the most dramatic. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. In: Halter JB. Failure of the metal plates, screws and other fasteners. The lumbar spine, or lower back, includes the sacrum and is particularly vital in terms of nerve function. This means that issues such as digestive conditions can occur at. The spine is in charge of controlling the nervous system throughout the body. Anal irrigation is a novel, conservative bowel management method that assists in bowel movement and management while reducing constipation. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. An injury above the conus medullaris (L1) results in an elevation in autonomic dysreflexia. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. People with more severe stenosis may have problems with: Bowel function.