Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

[EricS]

Spinal Stenosis is a disease where the spinal canal gets narrow and compresses the spinal cord and nerve roots, causing anything from mild irritation to severe back pain. Nerves usually swell when compressed, which further constricts the space.

It is often associated with age linked degeneration called osteoarthritis of the spine, an unavoidable part of the aging process itself that stiffens the spine.

Causes-

Reasons behind spinal stenosis may be the enlargement of the facet joints of the vertebrae and the ligament of the spinal canal, protrusion or herniation of intervertebral discs into the spinal canal, or slippage of vertebrae (spondylolisthesis).

Symptoms-

Patients of lumbar spinal stenosis feel weakness and pain in the legs, numbness and tingling in the buttocks and legs, and a dull pain in the lower back.

The pain can worsen with exercise, walking and standing, or even by a sneeze. It is relieved by bending forward or sitting down.

Treatment -

Once it has been diagnosed, lumbar spinal stenosis can be treated with medicines, physical therapy or surgery depending on the severity and duration of suffering.

Surgery is normally the last option. But since Stenosis and Disc Degeneration often occur together, it has been found that surgery can comprehensively improve the patient's quality of life.

[sbeamon]

I was diagnosed with Foraminal Stenosis 2 yrs ago. My doctor recommended that I try the following therapies before I even considered an invasive procedure.

* Hot and cold applications
* Massage
* Acupuncture
* Bio-feedback
* Chiropractic care

I can happily say that I am managing my pain and have not had to undergo surgery yet!

SB

[admin]

That's great to hear